Analysis Of Susan Sontag's Illness As A Metaphor

In Illness as a Metaphor, Susan Sontag presents an argument that metaphors used to explain illnesses with either unknown or multiple causes can actually complicate their understanding rather that strengthen it. Furthermore, illnesses can be incorrectly used to create metaphors (Sontag 3). Using two prominent examples of illnesses with histories of metaphors complicating understanding, tuberculosis and cancer, Sontag is able to elaborate upon her thesis and provide evidence about how their perception in society was affected by metaphors. The first point that Sontag introduces is the fact that historically, tuberculosis was viewed much like how cancer is viewed nowadays. There was very little knowledge about the causes of tuberculosis and contracting it

Tuberculosis was seen as the preferred way to go back in its prime; people apparently died a peaceful and relatively painless death. Sontag introduces the idea that “the dying tubercular is pictures as made more beautiful and more soulful; the person dying of cancer is portrayed as robbed of all capacities of self-transcendence, humiliated by fear and agony” (Sontag 17). All of the language surrounding TB suggests that it is an easy way to pass, but dying of cancer is painful and dehumanizing in some sort of way. Sontag sums up her arguments by pointing out that there were plenty of people whose experiences completely defied the common understandings. Both diseases can lead to painful (or painless) deaths. Tuberculosis can affect more than just one organ. Examining the metaphors surrounding diseases can provide great insight into how society views death. The metaphors chosen reflect how we handle pain and suffering. Considering this notion, perhaps more information on the causes and treatment of cancer will lead to a more positive prognosis for patients and in turn, change the metaphors used to describe