Writing Plague: Language and Violence from the Black Death to COVID-19

Writing Plague: Language and Violence from the Black Death to COVID-19 explores the psychological similarities between the Black Death and COVID-19, highlighting the danger of scapegoating vulnerable minority groups.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 265 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Rewritten text:
Language and Violence from the Black Death to COVID-19 offers a comprehensive and comparative analysis of "plague writing" from the later Middle Ages to the twenty-first century. It contends that while the human "hardware" has undergone significant transformations, including urbanization, technology, mass warfare, and advancements in medical science, the human "software" (emotional and psychological responses to the shock of pandemics) has remained remarkably consistent across time. By closely examining works by medieval writers such as Guillaume de Machaut, Giovanni Boccaccio, and Geoffrey Chaucer in the fourteenth century, select plays by Shakespeare, and modern "plague" fiction and film, Alfred Thomas compellingly establishes psychological continuities between the Black Death and COVID-19. Through his exploration of how individuals during plagues suppress their fears and fantasies and project them onto the perceived "other," Thomas underscores the risk of scapegoating vulnerable minority groups like Asian Americans and Jews in contemporary America. This interdisciplinary study appeals to scholars of medievalism, modernity, and the general reader alike.

Introduction:
Language and Violence from the Black Death to COVID-19 explores the intersection of language, violence, and societal responses to pandemics throughout history. By examining the ways in which plagues have been depicted in literature, drama, and popular culture, the book seeks to understand the psychological and cultural mechanisms that shape our reactions to crises.

Chapter 1:
The Black Death:
The Black Death, which occurred in the fourteenth century, was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history. It caused widespread death and destruction, and its impact was felt for centuries. The response to the Black Death was marked by fear, panic, and a sense of helplessness.

Medieval writers such as Chaucer and Boccaccio were among the first to document the effects of the Black Death on society. Their works provide a vivid account of the suffering and loss experienced by individuals and communities. Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" includes a passage in which the Plague Knight describes the horrors of the plague, including the vomiting, diarrhea, and death that it caused.

Boccaccio's "The Decameron" is another important work that explores the effects of the Black Death. In it, a group of ten people flee Florence to escape the plague, and they spend the next year living in a remote villa. The Decameron provides a detailed account of the social and economic changes that occurred during the plague, as well as the psychological toll that it took on the characters.

Chapter 2:
Shakespeare and the Plague:
Shakespeare was another playwright who was deeply influenced by the Black Death. His plays, such as "Hamlet" and "Macbeth," explore the themes of mortality, revenge, and the power of the supernatural.

In "Hamlet," the ghost of Hamlet's father appears to him and warns him of the dangers of revenge. Hamlet is torn between his desire for revenge and his sense of morality, and his indecision ultimately leads to his downfall.

In "Macbeth," the witches prophecy that Macbeth will become king leads him to commit murder and other acts of violence. Macbeth's ambition ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is consumed by guilt and paranoia.

Chapter 3:
Modern Plague Fiction and Film:
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in plague fiction and film. These works often explore the themes of fear, isolation, and the breakdown of society.

One notable example is "The Stand" by Stephen King. The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which a virus has wiped out most of humanity, and a small group of survivors must struggle to survive. The Stand explores the themes of good and evil, as well as the power of human resilience.

Another example is "Contagion" by Steven Soderbergh. The film is set in a modern-day city in which a virus spreads rapidly, causing widespread panic and chaos. Contagion explores the themes of science, medicine, and the human response to crisis.

Conclusion:
Language and Violence from the Black Death to COVID-19 offers a valuable insight into the ways in which language and violence shape our responses to pandemics. By examining the historical and contemporary examples of plague writing, the book demonstrates the psychological and cultural mechanisms that drive our reactions to crises. It also highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in navigating the challenges of pandemics.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030948528
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022