Isolation and Suffering Related to Serious and Terminal Illness: Metaphors and Lessons from Albert Camus’ Novel, The Plague

Health care providers have much to learn from Albert Camus' great novel, The Plague . The Plague tells the story of a bubonic plague epidemic through the lens of doctor-narrator Rieux. In addition to Rieux, this essay also focuses on the perspective of Father Paneloux, a Jesuit priest who provides important religious commentary on the epidemic, before falling victim to it and dying. Camus' masterful engagement of the metaphor of isolation and its profound impact on suffering emphasizes the important role of community and spiritual perspectives of patients and providers in coping with serious illness, death, and dying.

http://ift.tt/2uWzlcI