Content Details | NUML Online Research Repository

Title EMOTIONAL DIASPORA IN SICK LITERATURE: A TEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF RACHAEL LIPPINCOTT’S FIVE FEET APART AND JOJO MOYES’ ME BEFORE YOU

Author(s) FILZA DILSHAD PATHAN

Abstract Title: Emotional Diaspora in Sick Literature: A Textual Analysis of Rachael Lippincotts’ Five Feet Apart and Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You This study examines the impact of emotional diaspora on individuals experiencing chronic illness and disability as they transition from a state of wellness to one of sickness. Focusing on the emotional diaspora experienced by these individuals, akin to the challenges faced in the geographical diaspora, the study employs the works of literature, specifically Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, as case studies. Drawing inspiration from William Safran's diaspora concept, the thesis advocates for a reevaluation of conventional diaspora studies, emphasizing the emotional displacement of those with chronic illness. This research, however, sheds light on a distinct dimension of diaspora, elucidating the emotional displacement experienced by individuals facing chronic illness, transforming their familiar surroundings into an unfamiliar realm. In contrast to geographical diaspora, emotional diaspora characterizes the sickness experience. Sick literature, often portraying young characters facing physical or mental disabilities, endeavors to depict the challenges and societal misfits associated with chronic illnesses. Additionally, the study aims to establish sick literature as a valuable and underrepresented academic field. Characters grappling with chronic diseases undergo emotional diaspora due to substantial life changes and the abrupt transformation of their self-perception. Expanding the study of diaspora, emotional diaspora is viewed as a state of displacement and alienation that individuals experience when they feel emotionally disconnected from their environment, culture or community. This research uses affect theory to explore how characters' emotional responses to illness in "sick literature" shape narrative structure and meaning, highlighting the interplay between affect and identity in marginalized experiences.

Type Thesis/Dissertation MS

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2024-09-27

Subject Linguistics

Publisher

Contributor(s)

Format

Identifier

Source

Relation

Coverage

Rights