Illness as Metaphor

Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 1978, is a thought-provoking exploration of the metaphors and imagery associated with various illnesses, including cancer and tuberculosis. This first edition spans 87 pages and is presented in English, offering readers a concise yet impactful examination of how diseases are represented in literature and culture.

In this book, Sontag delves into the fantasies and symbolic meanings that illnesses evoke, challenging conventional perceptions and encouraging a deeper understanding of the narratives surrounding disease. By analyzing the connections between illness and literary expression, readers will gain insights into the broader implications of how society interprets health and suffering. This edition serves as a critical resource for those interested in the intersection of literature and the human experience of disease.