Fruits of Sorrow: Framing Our Attention to Suffering

by Elizabeth V. Spelman

Through a remarkable blend of intellectual history, philosophical reading, and contemporary cultural analysis, Fruits of Sorrow explores the hidden dynamics at work when we try to make sense of suffering. Spelman examines the complex ways in which we try to redeem the pain we cause and witness. She also shows the way our responses are often more than they how compassion can mask condescension; how identifying with others' pain often slips into illicit appropriation; how pity can reinforce the unequal relationship between those who cause and those who endure suffering.

Genres: Philosophy

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 1997

Reviews

[Bibliophile10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A philosophical, feminist examination of the ethics of suffering, this is the most thought-provoking book I've read this year. Chapters do contain some repetition, but overall the prose is more accessible than many theoretical works. Spelman discusses texts ranging from Plato to Arendt, analyzing assumptions of (in)equality in their treatment of human suffering. She concludes the book with possible interpretations of the common notion that suffering is a "human condition." This is provocative reading for those interested in philosophy, feminism, ethics, suffering/pain, art criticism, and art production.

[Emma Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good points and discussion within, drawing on some powerful authors, however, was rather repetitive.