Analyzing The Platformer Video 'Celeste'

"Celeste" is a critically acclaimed platformer video developed by Maddy Makes Games where you play as a child named Madeline who's goal is to climb Celeste Mountain. "Celeste" delves into themes such as anxiety, depression, self-discovery, and gender identity. Celeste Mountain serves as a symbol for the challenges and tribulations people go through in their journey of life. My analysis of "Celeste" will explore the intersection of mental health and gender identity, focusing primarily on Madeline's struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-discovery. By examining her journey, I will highlight how her representation of mental health, gender identity, and their intersection contributes to feminist discourse. To establish my feminist framework

These ideas will be pivotal in examining how "Celeste" portrays Madeline's self-discovery. Bell Hooks' "Feminism is for Everybody" highlights the necessity of an inclusive and intersectional approach to feminist theory. I will be trying to tie these together to help in understanding mental health as part of the broader feminist discourse. Understanding the social context of "Celeste" requires a dive into how transgender people and mental health are portrayed in media. Using "Mediating Mental Health : Contexts, Debates and Analysis" by Michael Birch and "See Me! Recognize me. An analysis of transgender media representation" by Jackson Taylor McLaren, Susan Bryant, and Brian Brown. I will present how transgender people and mental illness are portrayed, the effects of negative representation, and the benefits of nuanced characters that have these attributes. Using "Mediating Mental Health : Contexts, Debates and Analysis" I will provide context on how the representation of mental illness in media can be negative and reinforce stigmas against

Celeste Mountain is a metaphor for the upward battle and struggle to better oneself, which can feel unending and incredibly difficult. The interactions between Madeline and other characters give insights into her mental health and struggles with self-perception. "Part of Me", a personification of Madeline's anxiety, self-doubt, and negative self-perception, is used as an antagonist within the game. "Part of Me" embodies the intrusive thoughts of worthlessness and self-hate that commonly accompany anxiety and depression. "Part of Me" represents the internal struggle many feel when dealing with mental health issues and how it can feel like you are fighting against yourself. Some of the most challenging sections of the game are accompanied by "Part of Me" and are designed to reflect the often overwhelming feelings felt while struggling with mental health. The acceptance of mental illness and how it doesn't define who you are is mirrored in the game at a pivotal moment where she is accepted/embraced by Madeline advocating for acknowledging and working through your negative emotions instead of suppressing