Redefining Madness

Abstract

This work does not provide a brief overview of madness and literature in a chronologically ordered fashion. The work does not question the writer’s mental state and its reflection in their works. Neither does a search for a scientific definition of social reality appear to be of major concern. The main emphasis is made on the idea of “madness” in literature. The attempt to define “literature” presents parallel uncertainties while trying to define “madness”. Madness is not initially a fact, but a judgment. It is historically and culturally predetermined.