In literature, if not in real life, a character's shape can tell us a lot about him or her. A physical imperfection could indicate a moral or spiritual deformity. Foster reminds us that "sameness doesn't present us with metaphorical possibilities, whereas difference--from the average, the typical, the expected--is always rich with possibility" (194). What possibilities do you find?
The following chapter discusses blindness specifically. Blindness can include images of light and darkness. Foster warns us that many works discuss figurative blindness and seeing without any specific imagery and gives us these bolded words: if you want your audience to know something important about your character (or the work at large), introduce it early, before you need it.
Several other chapter address heart disease and other illnesses like TB, or tuberculosis. Foster says
Not all diseases are created equal--different diseases have different reputations
It should be picturesque
It should be mysterious in origin
It should have strong symbolic or metaphorical possibilities
Winston Smith, the protagonist, has a varicose ulcer near his ankle. It frequently itches and opens up, causing Winston great distress.
Much like Big Brother, the omnipresent and omnipotent political embodiment of the total State who "watches" over everyone constantly, Winston's ulcer is a chronic, inescapable burden. Winston's ulcer may serve as a physical representation of the ever-present Big Brother/State. Interestingly, his ulcer does temporarily heal when he begins a romantic and sexual relationship with Julia, a coworker. Since the State constantly attempts to reinforce that relationships and sex are purely for recreational purposes ("Duty to the State") and sap all the pleasure out of both, Winston's rebellion with Julia takes him out of his formerly pleasureless life, and distracts him from Big Brother (healing his metaphorical wound).
Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
Mr. Rochester loses a hand and becomes blind after Jane leaves him and a fire destroys his manor.
Mr. Rochester's blindness could possibly symbolize his ignorance or "blindness" towards how much Jane meant to him. After Jane leaves, he frenetically searches for her, losing "sight" of what else is important in his life. Only after Jane returns and becomes his bride does he begin to regain his sight--he is finally able to realize how important Jane (and their son) is to him.
The following chapter discusses blindness specifically. Blindness can include images of light and darkness. Foster warns us that many works discuss figurative blindness and seeing without any specific imagery and gives us these bolded words:
if you want your audience to know something important about your character (or the work at large), introduce it early, before you need it.
Several other chapter address heart disease and other illnesses like TB, or tuberculosis. Foster says