In the Land of Pain: Why Daudet is Still Relevant
Susan Zinner, JD, Indiana University Northwest
I propose an exploration of the role of an historical narrative in suffering, In the Land of Pain, by Alphonse Daudet. Written over 100 years ago, Daudet’s poignant text examines the physical and emotional pain he experiences as a result of tertiary syphilis and its effects on his body. It is still heartbreaking to read today. I plan to contrast this older text with the more recent Mortality by the late Christopher Hitchens, who died of cancer several years ago.
In addition to addressing issues such as how the breakdown of the physical body impacts our concept of the nature of the patient himself, I would also like to consider the role of religion in the life of the person experiencing illness. Daudet was born and raised Catholic in France and makes numerous Christian references, such as comparing his pain to that of the Crucifixion of Christ in his book. Hitchens, however, was a determined atheist. I plan to conduct a careful review of each text to ascertain whether the two patients share any similarities as they struggle with their illnesses.
I would argue that these findings could be helpful for providers who care for both religious and non-religious patients who seek to find meaning in the suffering of others.
I propose an exploration of the role of an historical narrative in suffering, In the Land of Pain, by Alphonse Daudet. Written over 100 years ago, Daudet’s poignant text examines the physical and emotional pain he experiences as a result of tertiary syphilis and its effects on his body. It is still heartbreaking to read today. I plan to contrast this older text with the more recent Mortality by the late Christopher Hitchens, who died of cancer several years ago.
In addition to addressing issues such as how the breakdown of the physical body impacts our concept of the nature of the patient himself, I would also like to consider the role of religion in the life of the person experiencing illness. Daudet was born and raised Catholic in France and makes numerous Christian references, such as comparing his pain to that of the Crucifixion of Christ in his book. Hitchens, however, was a determined atheist. I plan to conduct a careful review of each text to ascertain whether the two patients share any similarities as they struggle with their illnesses.
I would argue that these findings could be helpful for providers who care for both religious and non-religious patients who seek to find meaning in the suffering of others.