Illness as metaphor
Susan Sontag's seminal essays explore how society constructs and uses illness, moving beyond literal disease to examine its metaphorical power. Originally published separately, this combined volume confronts the cultural narratives surrounding cancer and the AIDS epidemic, offering sharp insights into how we talk about sickness and the modern human condition.
This volume combines two distinct essays by Susan Sontag. "Illness as Metaphor" was published first, and "AIDS and Its Metaphors" was written later as a companion piece, extending her analysis to the specific context of the AIDS epidemic.
This book exemplifies Sontag's characteristic critical approach, where she dissects cultural phenomena and intellectual trends. It shares a thematic thread with her essays on photography and art, exploring how society frames and interprets complex subjects.
The book is widely regarded as a seminal work in medical humanities and cultural studies. It significantly influenced how scholars and the public understand the social and linguistic construction of disease.
