The Writing of Life in the Plague–A Review of The Island

Abstract

The Island serves as a plague novel, recounting the story of a leprosy outbreak and the subsequent isolation of patients on the island of Spinalonga. When the plague strikes, it is met with fear and rejection by nearly all, with any individual exhibiting signs of leprosy infection being deported to the island, thereby facing a lifetime of seclusion. The Island exemplifies the vivid portrayal of people reigniting hope, destigmatizing the disease, and ultimately triumphing over the plague. During the period of the plague’s ravage, individuals hope to seek strength from the catastrophic memories recorded in literature, fostering the courage and confidence to combat the epidemic. By reviewing The Island, one can observe the profound attention given to the consciousness of life, the in-depth exploration of biopolitics, and the forward-looking reflection on the meaning of life in plague novels.