JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE
Vol 7, No 2: November 2025

GUILT IN JEFF ZENTNER’S NOVEL GOODBYE DAYS

Caniago, Desriani (Unknown)
Suhadi, Muhammad Fatih (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study presents a psychological analysis of guilt and the journey toward self-redemption as depicted in Jeff Zentner's novel, Goodbye Days. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, the research meticulously examines the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, Carver Briggs, who is consumed by guilt after a tragic accident claims the lives of his three best friends—an accident he believes he caused by sending a text message. The analysis is framed within Bruce Narramore's theoretical framework on guilt, exploring its objective and subjective categories, including fear of punishment, loss of self-esteem, and feelings of isolation. The findings reveal the profound manifestations of Carver's guilt, which materialize through somatic complaints such as panic attacks, a depressed mood, self-condemnation, and acts of self-punishment. The study concludes that Zentner’s narrative portrays guilt not merely as a destructive force but as a complex and transformative psychological process. Ultimately, the novel illustrates that the path to recovery and self-forgiveness is arduous, requiring the individual to confront their pain and make peace with themselves before achieving redemption.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

journaloflanguage

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Language (JoL) is an open access and a peer reviewed scientific journal covering research reports in linguistics, literature or language teaching, and critical evaluations of books on the related areas published by Faculty of Literature, Islamic University of North Sumatra (UISU), Medan, ...