A content analysis on teen suicide as stated by Matthew Quick’s “Forgive me, Leonard Peacock”

Abstract

This study sought to describe and identify the cause of the protagonist’s suicide attempt in Matthew Quick's novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock. The specific objectives of the study are to identify, viz.: (a) the internal and external attributions of the minor characters that ted to the protagonist’s attempted suicide based on their personalities; (b) the internal and external attributions of the minor characters that led to the protagonist’s attempted suicide based on their treatment towards the protagonist; and (c) the behavior of the protagonist towards the minor characters. The researcher used the Attribution Theory to analyze and infer the characters’ behaviors and personalities. Furthermore, the Correspondent Inference Theory was used to understand in depth the minor characters’ behavior as to why they behave the way they do that lead to protagonist’s way of thinking. The theories are interrelated that the study revealed that the characters of the novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, are results of situations and experiences. The characters are all flawed but some could not handle the burden anymore. The characters have each of their own motivations and beliefs to act the way they do. it is recommended that a thorough discussion of the characters’ background, personality, and environment and other elements such as setting, plot and themes should be scrutinized to enhance classroom discussion and to aid further literary analysis and appreciation.