BOOK BRIEF

Illness as Metaphor

Susan Sontag
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Illness as Metaphor

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1988

Book Brief

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Susan Sontag

Illness as Metaphor

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

87

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.0

3,297 ratings

73%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.0

3,297 ratings

73%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

87

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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