‘My focus is not on the disease itself, but on its use as a figure or metaphor.’

In the context of the 1970s, she was particularly interested in diseases that had been used as metaphors: cancer and tuberculosis. At the time, these diseases were seen as the ultimate evil and as contagious. They were also seen as mysterious diseases that struck individuals. The word ‘cancer’ itself was believed to be capable of killing. This disease was considered an invincible predator, and warlike metaphors were used to describe it.
Her analyses are based on a variety of sources: literary works, clinical, medical and psychiatric essays, etc.