Illness as Metaphor
Illness as Metaphor
Book Brief
Beta87
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Illness as Metaphor, Susan Sontag examines how metaphorical language and cultural narratives shape perceptions of illness. She emphasizes that such metaphors can stigmatize individuals experiencing illness, distorting their reality and experiences. Sontag argues for more accurate, non-metaphorical language to foster better understanding and treatment of those affected.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag is praised for its incisive critique of how metaphors shape perceptions of illness like cancer. Sontag's argument is seen as enlightening and thought-provoking, urging a reconsideration of stigmatizing language. However, some critique that her analysis can be dense. Overall, it's an influential examination of language and illness.
Who Should Read Illness as Metaphor?
A reader interested in Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag might enjoy examining the intersections of language, illness, and cultural critique. Similar audiences might appreciate books like The Body in Pain by Elaine Scarry or The Birth of the Clinic by Michel Foucault for their analytical depth.
3,297 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Illness as Metaphor was first published in 1978 and examines the language and metaphors used when discussing diseases, challenging the stigmatization associated with illness.
Susan Sontag’s work was partially motivated by her personal experience with breast cancer, influencing her perspective on how society frames illness.
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The essay was initially serialized in The New York Review of Books before being published in book form, highlighting its relevance and appeal to intellectual and literary audiences.
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87
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1988
Adult
18+ years
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