Epilepsy Metaphors - Liminal Spaces of Individuation in American Literature, 1990-2015

American literature between 1990 and 2015 saw the emergence of a new corpus of epilepsy metaphors that redefine the notion of the liminal and the normal, categorized by Eleana Vaja as protometaphors, relational metaphors, epileptic texts, and metastability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Between 1990 and 2015, a remarkable shift occurred in American literature, marked by the emergence of a fresh collection of epilepsy metaphors that aimed to challenge the pervasive stigma surrounding epilepsy across three crucial domains: society, the body, and language. Eleana Vaja, a scholar of disability studies, introduced a range of concepts such as protometaphors, relational metaphors, epileptic texts, and metastability to delve deeper into these foci. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, combining philosophy with hard sciences like mathematics, medicine, and physics, Vaja's study explored the ways in which epilepsy metaphors redefine the boundaries between the liminal and the normal.

In her examination of a select group of works by authors like Siri Hustvedt, Thom Jones, Reif Larsen, Dennis Mahagin, Audrey Niffenegger, Rodman Philbrick, and Lauren Slater, Vaja demonstrated how epilepsy metaphors reshaped our understanding of these concepts. Through her meticulous analysis, she revealed how these metaphors not only shed light on the experiences of individuals with epilepsy but also offered broader insights into the complexities of human existence.

One of the key themes explored by Vaja was the notion of protometaphors, which she defined as metaphors that emerge from the neurological experiences of individuals with epilepsy. These protometaphors offer a unique perspective on the world, as they are shaped by the sensory and cognitive disruptions caused by epilepsy. By examining the ways in which these protometaphors are employed in literature, Vaja demonstrated how they can challenge traditional notions of normality and highlight the diversity of human experiences.

Relational metaphors, another concept introduced by Vaja, played a significant role in her study. These metaphors draw connections between epilepsy and other marginalized or stigmatized groups, such as women, minorities, and the disabled. By highlighting these similarities, Vaja aimed to foster empathy and understanding among readers and challenge the dominant narratives that perpetuate stigma and discrimination.

Epileptic texts, as Vaja termed them, were another focus of her analysis. These works of literature explicitly address epilepsy or incorporate epilepsy-related themes and metaphors. By examining these texts, Vaja demonstrated how they can provide a platform for individuals with epilepsy to express their experiences and challenge the dominant narratives surrounding epilepsy.

Metastability, a concept borrowed from physics, was also employed by Vaja to analyze epilepsy metaphors. Metastability refers to a state of instability that exists between two stable states, such as sleep and wakefulness. Vaja argued that epilepsy metaphors can be seen as metastable, as they oscillate between two opposing perspectives on epilepsy: one that stigmatizes and marginalizes individuals with epilepsy and another that seeks to understand and embrace their experiences.

Through her comprehensive study, Eleana Vaja not only shed light on the ways in which epilepsy metaphors redefine the notion of the liminal and the normal but also made significant contributions to disability studies. Her work challenged traditional notions of disability and advocated for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to understanding and addressing the experiences of individuals with disabilities.

In conclusion, the emergence of epilepsy metaphors between 1990 and 2015 marked a significant shift in American literature, offering a fresh perspective on the stigma surrounding epilepsy. Eleana Vaja's multidisciplinary approach, combining philosophy, hard sciences, and literature, shed light on the ways in which epilepsy metaphors redefine the boundaries between the liminal and the normal. Through her examination of selected works by various authors, Vaja demonstrated how epilepsy metaphors can foster empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, challenging the dominant narratives that perpetuate stigma and discrimination. Her work contributes to the ongoing dialogue about disability and the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837641189