“Intoxicated by My Illness” by Anatole Broyard

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Problem
Argument
Personal Interpretation
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

Many writers find it interesting and even provocative to create stories about death and discuss this event from multiple perspectives. However, the situation changes when a person starts writing about his or her impending death, not because of an unexplainable desire to research the topic and describe it imaginatively, but because it is reality.

In “Intoxicated by My Illness,” Anatole Broyard shares with his readers the news that transformed the author’s mind and his whole life in a matter of seconds: the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Instead of having multiple or chaotic thoughts, he felt relief because he could finally find the answer to many questions. Broyard’s “Intoxicated by My Illness” is not a simple story about life and death, but a guide for people on how to fight for life, accept illness and enjoy real opportunities.

Problem

The characteristic feature of this short story is not the disease itself, but its further repercussions. It is not a big deal to hear the diagnosis and understand its essence. What turns out to be complicated and unbearable is finding enough power to continue living, being surrounded by family and friends, and realizing that “a real deadline” has been given at last (Broyard 3). The problem is the necessity to live with a disease that sucks out life and with the inability to change anything. The author tries to find reasons to live and enjoy every day of this life, even as he understands that he cannot stay as long as he wants.

Argument

There are many reasons to discuss this problem and the author’s intention to discover the beauty of this life. As soon as “you learn that your life is threatened, you can turn toward this knowledge or away from it” (Broyard 3). It is useless to try to run away from such a problem like cancer. It is instead time to think about the essence of a happy and full life and gather as many pleasant and unforgettable moments as possible.

The most compelling idea is that “time was no longer innocuous, nothing was casual anymore” (Broyard 4). This life offers several things to be curious about, including “the streets, the houses, the trees, the shops, the people, the movement, and the stillness… books, paintings, music… your friends” (Broyard 4). As a result, Broyard finds himself “cured by the truth” while many other people “still suffer the nausea of the uninitiated” (6). The positive aspect has been found, and it is important to hold on to it.

Personal Interpretation

I enjoyed each line in this short story as it reveals something true about this life. Millions of people continue living without even understanding what a priceless and unbelievable gift they have. I think that Broyard’s message is not only meant to inspire the reader, but also to help his family and himself to survive this moment and take only the best things from the situation. When medicine cannot help a patient, it is time for imagination and spirituality to be used. Broyard shows one possible way to live with cancer, and I find his approach the best one in such cases.

Conclusion

Despite its short length and simple language, “Intoxicated by My Illness” contains several interesting, insightful, and complex thoughts. A feeling of inevitability may destroy people, and Broyard teaches people how to find meaning and not lose hope. Instead of thinking about what can happen tomorrow or what has already been done, one should start appreciating the present with its benefits and risks, as well as its happy and sad moments.

Work Cited

Broyard, Anatole. Intoxicated by My Illness: And Other Writings on Life and Death. Fawcett Columbine, 1992.

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“Intoxicated by My Illness” by Anatole Broyard

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