Reliance on Literature Hiding the Greater Picture; An Exploration on the Limitations of Texts and Vocabulary in Margaret Edson’s 'Wit' Anonymous 12th Grade

The play Wit by Margaret Edson follows Dr. Vivian Bearing, an English professor diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, during her treatment at the university’s hospital. Throughout the text, Bearing uses her impressive vocabulary to express herself and her pride in her career. When treatment becomes more rigorous, Bearing uses her vocabulary as a coping mechanism, and eventually, her dependence on diction can no longer convey the physical and mental turmoils she faces. Dr. Vivian Bearing’s shift in perspective that, unfortunately, came with her proximity to death. Until then, she had believed “being extremely smart would take care of it…”, but she then had “been found out” (70). Bearing’s source of fulfillment was literature alone, leading to her intellect shaping her outlook on life.

In Wit, it is suggested that a fixation on intellect can take away from the real-life experiences one may have. Through Vivian Bearing, readers can observe the limitations that literature may impose on those who are dependent on it. And through E.M. Ashford, Vivian’s mentor, Edson suggests that physical experiences are not only worth more, but are also what makes one understand literature. Furthermore, shaping one’s perception solely on texts...