Disease in fiction

The dagger dropped gleaming upon the sable carpet - Harry Clarke (BL 12703.i.43)

Disease in Fiction refers to the portrayal and thematic use of diseases in literature, film, television, and other forms of media. It encompasses a wide range of fictional diseases, from realistic depictions of existing conditions to entirely speculative or fantastical illnesses. The representation of disease in fiction serves various purposes, including exploring societal fears, character development, and advancing plotlines. This article delves into the significance, types, and notable examples of disease in fiction.

Significance

The depiction of disease in fiction can mirror societal attitudes towards illness, health, and mortality. It often reflects or critiques the medical knowledge of its time, public health issues, and the human condition. Fictional diseases can serve as metaphors for social, political, or environmental concerns, offering a lens through which audiences can explore complex issues.

Types of Diseases in Fiction

Fictional diseases can be broadly categorized into realistic and speculative diseases.

Realistic Diseases

These are diseases that exist in the real world, depicted with varying degrees of accuracy in fiction. Realistic diseases in fiction can help raise awareness, generate empathy, and sometimes even influence public health policy. Examples include tuberculosis in La Traviata and HIV/AIDS in Angels in America.

Speculative Diseases

Speculative diseases are entirely fictional or are based on real diseases but with exaggerated or fantastical elements. They can be found in genres like science fiction and fantasy, serving as plot devices or symbols. Examples include the White Plague in The Stand by Stephen King and the fictional Hanahaki Disease, which has appeared in various works of manga and anime.

Notable Examples

Literature

• The Plague by Albert Camus is a philosophical novel set in the Algerian city of Oran, which is put under quarantine due to an outbreak of plague. The disease serves as a metaphor for fascism and the human condition.
• Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood features a pandemic caused by a genetically engineered virus, exploring themes of biotechnology, ethics, and the end of humanity.

Film and Television

• Contagion (2011) is a film that realistically portrays the outbreak of a novel virus, exploring the medical, social, and governmental responses to a pandemic.
• The Walking Dead (2010–) is a television series that revolves around a zombie apocalypse caused by a mysterious virus, examining survival, society, and human nature in extreme conditions.

Themes and Motifs

Disease in fiction often explores themes of isolation, fear, survival, and the breakdown or resilience of society. It can challenge characters, forcing growth or revealing true natures. Diseases often symbolize broader issues, such as corruption, decay, or the consequences of human hubris.

Impact

The portrayal of disease in fiction can influence public perception and understanding of real diseases. While it can foster empathy and awareness, it can also perpetuate myths and stigmas. The balance between entertainment and education is a subject of ongoing debate among critics, creators, and health professionals.

Conclusion

Disease in fiction serves as a powerful narrative tool, offering insights into human psychology, societal structures, and the existential dilemmas of life and death. Through the lens of both realistic and speculative diseases, fiction can reflect and shape the collective consciousness surrounding health, illness, and the human experience.

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