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Epilepsy in twentieth century literature
1International School of Neurological Sciences S. Servolo, Venice, Italy.
Epilepsia
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Literature reflects societal views on epilepsy. Twentieth-century works, even by intellectuals, often depicted epilepsy with supernatural characteristics, showing persistent societal attitudes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Literary Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Epilepsy has historically been misunderstood and stigmatized.
- Literary works often shape and reflect societal perceptions of medical conditions.
Observation:
- This article analyzes the portrayal of epilepsy in selected 20th-century literary works.
- The study focuses on how epilepsy is represented in narratives written by intellectuals.
Findings:
- Despite being written by educated authors, the selected literary works frequently characterize epilepsy with supernatural elements.
- This suggests a persistent societal tendency to view epilepsy through a non-scientific, often mystical lens.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the enduring influence of historical beliefs on contemporary understanding of epilepsy.
- Understanding these literary portrayals can inform public health campaigns and reduce stigma associated with epilepsy.
- Further research could explore how epilepsy representation has evolved in later literary periods.