Illness As Metaphor

In 'Illness as Metaphor,' Susan Sontag critiques the use of metaphors in describing illnesses, particularly focusing on tuberculosis and cancer.

She argues that these metaphors lead to victim-blaming and stigmatization of patients, suggesting that diseases are often seen as reflections of personal psychological traits or moral failings.

Sontag advocates for a more literal and medical understanding of illness, free from punitive or sentimental fantasies.

The book contrasts the historical and cultural perspectives on these diseases, highlighting how they have been symbolically interpreted in different eras and societies.