Writing and Madness

This influential work explores the connections between literature, madness, and power, revealing how texts engage with societal exclusions and reclaim narratives of the mad.

In Writing and Madness, Shoshana Felman presents a compelling examination of the intricate relationships between literature, philosophy, and psychoanalysis. Through her insightful analyses of renowned authors such as Balzac, Nerval, Flaubert, and James, alongside influential thinkers like Lacan, Foucault, and Derrida, Felman investigates how literature interacts with societal constructs of madness. She delves into the ways literary figures reclaim the narratives surrounding madness, shedding light on the deeper connections between literature, power, and knowledge.

The author argues that every literary work inherently engages with the concept of madness, addressing what society regards as abnormal or unacceptable. By exploring this dynamic, Writing and Madness reveals how literary texts dramatize the tension between sense and nonsense, reason and unreason. This exploration not only enriches our understanding of literature but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of what is deemed readable versus unreadable.

Felman introduces the notion of la chose littéraire, or the literary thing, highlighting the irreducible relationship between the readable and the unreadable. This concept serves as a foundation for her argument that literature is not merely a reflection of reality but also a powerful medium that challenges and redefines cultural norms surrounding madness. Through her work, Felman encourages readers to reconsider the boundaries of literary discourse and its impact on our understanding of human experience.