Riem P, Karenberg A. MS in prose, poems and drama.
Mult Scler 2015;
21:1298-311. [PMID:
25583840 DOI:
10.1177/1352458514560929]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Presentations of MS in fictional literature have not been previously researched. This paper surveys and analyses these portrayals of the disease for the first time.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Relevant works in English and German were identified by means of keyword searches in online public access catalogues and search engines as well as old-fashioned research. The neurological and literary evaluation of these 7000 pages of text combines qualitative and quantitative methods.
RESULTS
Between 1954 and 2012 at least 55 literary works appeared with an MS motif (35 novels, 18 poems, one novella and one drama). The authors were predominantly female and a third of them suffered from the disease. Patients in the novels largely reflect real epidemiology as regards symptoms and disease progression, while diagnostic and therapeutic options play a secondary role. From a literary point of view, 'entwicklungsromane', 'relationship novels' and 'young adult books' can be discerned. MS is often portrayed in metaphoric language as the enemy: a demon, an animalistic being, prison or an abyss.
CONCLUSION
The MS motif evidences a medicalization of the literature as well as a literary portrayal of anthropological experiences. Well-written novels can contribute to the de-stigmatization of MS and impart basic medical knowledge.
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