What are some of the symptoms of Joy's depression?
She becomes aggressive and angry, blaming anyone who will listen.
She experiences low self-image, loss of identity, and is uncertain of her place in the world.
She stops going to work and sleeps all day.
Who is Ellen and what does she like to do for Joy?
Ellen is Marianne's step mother. She likes to talk about Marianne because she knows Joy misses her.
Ellen is Marianne's much older sister. She likes to knit and sew because it passes the time when Joy is there.
Ellen is Marianne's mother. She likes to bake. She does this for Joy because it shows she cares.
Why did Joy’s relationship ultimately end with Paul?
He died tragically in a swimming pool accident in Spain.
He did not like Joy’s cooking.
He lines up with everybody else to shake Joy’s hand at her mother’s funeral.
Why has Myra been abusive towards Joy?
She was aggressive because she abused alcohol and drugs.
She was jealous of the attention Joy received from their mother.
She was pregnant at the same time as Joy’s mother and her baby died.
Why does Joy refer to the doctors in Foresthouse as Drs 1, 2 and 3?
This is due to the very well organised system at the hospital.
It reflects the impersonal, institutional nature of the healthcare system.
Joy has forgotten their names.
What does the following quote show us about Joy?
I don’t know who I am any more. I look in the mirror and see nothing I recognize.
She has trouble seeing clearly because of her medication.
This is a symptom of her depression. She is a fragmented character who has experienced loss of identity.
It is likely she is not looking in the mirror at all. She is confused because of her depression.
Which character helps Joy move out of Michael's house and back into her cottage?
David
Paul
Ellen
How does Marianne support Joy?
She has set up lists to help Joy cope and writes to her regularly.
She visits and talks to her.
She makes sure other people are there to support Joy
How does Tony treat Joy?
He treats her as an object and uses her for his own sexual pleasure.
He is physically violent.
He is dismissive of her and sees her illness as a problem.
I hear it quite distinctly, my own voice in an empty house. I forgive you. Nobody needs to know I said it. Nobody needs to know.
What does this quote show us about Joy?
Joy has been blaming herself for her depression. This is the moment when she finally forgives herself.
It shows Joy’s mental illness is still very debilitating as she is still talking to herself in an empty house.
Joy is speaking to another character. Possibly she is trying to forgive her mother or Michael for dying prematurely.