Disabled Literature—Disabled Individuals in American Literature: Reflecting Culture(s)

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Miles Beauchamp
Wendy V. Chung
Alijandra Mogilner

Keywords

literature, superstition, evil, stereotypes, disabled, culture

Abstract

In American literature, disabled characters are often portrayed as “that other” and used to generate fear, pathos, and hatred.  This affects how variously-abled individuals are perceived and accepted by society.  While writers are being more inclusive and broadening their inventory of characters, many characters are simply a negative plot tool.

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