63 pages • 2 hours read
Wit
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Book Brief
85
Play • Fiction
Hospital • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
NP
Super Short Summary
Wit by Margaret Edson is a Pulitzer-Prize winning play that follows Dr. Vivian Bearing, a 50-year-old professor of 17th-century poetry, after she receives a diagnosis of stage-four metastatic ovarian cancer. The narrative is nonlinear, interweaving scenes from her past and present as she undergoes aggressive treatment, reflecting on her life, career, and interactions with medical professionals, and ultimately facing her mortality.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
17,548 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Wit by Margaret Edson offers a poignant exploration of a scholar's battle with cancer. Critics praise its sharp, profound script and emotional depth, highlighting Edson's deft balance of intellect and humanity. Some find its stark medical scenes discomforting, yet its honesty and wit resonate deeply. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play remains a compelling, reflective piece on life and mortality.
Who Should Read Wit?
Readers who appreciated the emotional depth and intellectual rigor of works like Still Alice by Lisa Genova or the poignant exploration of mortality in Leo Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich will find Wit by Margaret Edson compelling. This play delves into themes of life, death, and the human experience, engaging those intrigued by literature that challenges and moves.
17,548 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jason Posner, M.D.
Jason Posner, M.D.
A clinical fellow and former student of Vivian's, who is responsible for overseeing her cancer treatment with a focus on medical research.
Susie Monahan, R.N., B.S.N.
Susie Monahan, R.N., B.S.N.
The compassionate primary nurse caring for Vivian, who demonstrates genuine concern for her well-being throughout her medical treatment.
E.M. Ashford, D.Phil.
E.M. Ashford, D.Phil.
Vivian's mentor and role model, who plays a significant role in shaping Vivian's academic journey and offers crucial support at key moments.
Mr. Bearing
Mr. Bearing
Vivian's father, who makes a brief but impactful appearance that illuminates important aspects of Vivian's character and path.
Harvey Kelekian, Ph.D.
Harvey Kelekian, Ph.D.
The Chief of Oncology at the hospital where Vivian receives treatment, responsible for diagnosing her condition and directing her treatment plan.
85
Play • Fiction
Hospital • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
NP
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