Metaphors of exclusion : about David B.’s "Epileptic"

In the chapter Metaphors of Exclusion. About David B.’s "Epileptic" Natalia Kućma focuses on showing the different types of exclusion through the analysis of the auto- biographical comic book by David B. On the one hand, David B. tells a story about the Beauchard family facing the challenges imposed by the illness of one of its mem- bers. On the other hand it is the story of the creation of the creator and his escape into the world of imagination. This section will examine universal and very personal met- aphors, which the artist uses. The mountain, the snake, armor and most important- ly-knights (and great leaders such as Attila, Genghis Khan and Hitler) are the key symbols used to tell the story of a family who is isolated numerous times within their community (socially, because of illness). The author demonstrates metaphorically the fight and the struggle of the patient’s situation (you have to face the disease, overcome it). This metaphor heightens the difficult situation of an incurably sick person. This section discusses the relationship between modern medicine and alternative medicine. Social exclusion contributing to feelings of personal alienation (because the patient is treated in a unique way in all aspects of his life). There are two basic exclusions that result in the artist isolating himself with surprisingly positive effects. Once alone, the artist is able to be creative. The feeling of being trapped causes a defensive reaction: self-isolation of the artist. To save his own health, David B., isolated himself which enables him to create. At the same time he creates metaphors, which transform and take the place of metaphor as illness. Excess of form and metaphor exaggeration is the result of the powerlessness of language in relation to the disease and the patient.