Literary images of menopause

Abstract

In contemporary North American cultures, menopause is primarily thought of as a deficiency disease. In literature, however, authors often portray menopause differently. In various literary portrayals, menopause evokes themes of the urgency of remaining life span, the occurrence of a significant life event, and a rite of passage. The use of literature to understand the way women experience life may help deepen and enlarge the perceptions of students and residents regarding the menopause.