A Soft- Spoken Emergency: The Politicized Patient, Black Feminism, and Breast Cancer Illness Narratives Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Abstract 

This thesis is about breast cancer, and literary depictions of it. My research explores the implications of the illness narrative structure, questioning whose suffering is prioritized and how empathy is constructed in the context of cancer. I examine the need for more inclusive storytelling that reflects the complexities of race, class, and gender, advocating for a narrative shift to individual experiences that showcase systemic inequalities that shape medical care and patient experiences. Through this lens, analyze texts from three prominent Black Feminist thinkers: Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, and June Jordan to examine the concept of social empathy, underscoring the necessity of understanding diverse patient perspectives in medical humanities.  

 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Chapter 1: Racialized Empathy in Illness Narrative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 1-12 Chapter 2: Lucille Clifton and Medical Authority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 13-31 Chapter 3: Audre Lorde and the Nature of Many Movements. . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 32-43 Conclusion: June Jordan and the Social Politics of Cancer Narratives. . . . . pp. 44-47 Work Cited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 48-51

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Emory College
Department	English
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Keyword	Literature, American, African American Studies, Black Feminism, 20th Century Literature
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Sarah Salter , Emory University
Committee Members	Dr. Linette Park, Emory University Dr. Marina Magloire, Emory University

Last modified

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	File download under embargo until 22 May 2027	2025-04-08 22:37:17 -0400	File download under embargo until 22 May 2027

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions