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At wit's end: forgiveness, dignity, and the care of the dying
1The John J. Conley Department of Ethics, Saint Vincents Hospital and Medical Center, New York, NY 10011, USA. daniel_sulmasy@nymc.edu
Abstract:
Medical commentators on the play W;t by Margaret Edson, have tended to highlight the play's medical themes in the hope that this will help to improve the care of the dying. In this essay, the author argues that a close reading of the play suggests an alternative approach. This approach would require physicians to become personally engaged with the play's broad underlying themes, in particular the themes of dignity, relationship, and forgiveness. Physicians who do this might be able to undergo the sort of personal transformation that could allow them to relate to dying patients more fully as fellow human beings. Such a reaction to the play by physicians might truly and radically improve the care of the dying.
Insights
This essay suggests physicians engage with the play W;t's themes of dignity, relationship, and forgiveness. Personal transformation can improve care for dying patients by fostering deeper human connection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Humanities
- Palliative Care Education
Background:
- Commentators often focus on medical accuracy in W;t.
- This essay proposes a deeper engagement with the play's philosophical themes.
Discussion:
- Physicians engaging with themes like dignity, relationship, and forgiveness.
- This personal engagement can lead to transformative insights.
Key Insights:
- A humanistic approach to medical education can enhance physician empathy.
- Connecting with W;t's themes promotes relating to dying patients as fellow humans.
Outlook:
- Potential for radical improvement in end-of-life care.
- Encouraging physicians to explore the intersection of arts and medicine for holistic patient care.