Susan Sontag

Susan Sontag (January 16, 1933 – December 28, 2004) was an American writer, filmmaker, philosopher, and teacher. She became widely known for her essays on modern culture and her influential works on photography, illness, and the role of the intellectual in society.

Early Life and Education

Susan Sontag was born in New York City to Jack Rosenblatt and Mildred Jacobsen. Her father was a fur trader in China, and her mother was a teacher. Sontag spent her early childhood in Tucson, Arizona, and later moved to Los Angeles, California. She attended North Hollywood High School and graduated at the age of 15.

Sontag enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley but transferred to the University of Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy at the age of 18. She continued her studies at Harvard University, where she obtained a Master of Arts in English and philosophy. Sontag also studied at St Anne's College, Oxford and the University of Paris.

Career

Sontag's career began with the publication of her first novel, The Benefactor, in 1963. However, she gained prominence with her collection of essays, Against Interpretation (1966), which challenged the traditional approach to art criticism and advocated for a more direct engagement with art.

Major Works

• Against Interpretation (1966) - A collection of essays that critiques the tendency to interpret art rather than experience it directly.
• On Photography (1977) - A series of essays exploring the role of photography in modern society, examining how it shapes our perception of reality.
• Illness as Metaphor (1978) - An analysis of the metaphors used to describe illness, particularly cancer and tuberculosis, and how these metaphors affect patients and society.
• The Volcano Lover (1992) - A historical novel about the life of Sir William Hamilton, his wife Emma, and her lover, Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Filmmaking

Sontag also ventured into filmmaking, directing four films, including Duet for Cannibals (1969) and Brother Carl (1971). Her films often explored themes of identity, politics, and the human condition.

Personal Life

Sontag was known for her intellectual relationships and her long-term partnership with photographer Annie Leibovitz. She was a prominent figure in the New York intellectual scene and was involved in various political causes, including the anti-Vietnam War movement.

Legacy

Susan Sontag's work continues to influence contemporary thought on culture, art, and politics. Her essays are studied for their incisive analysis and her ability to synthesize complex ideas into accessible prose. Sontag's exploration of the role of the intellectual in society remains relevant in discussions about the responsibilities of public intellectuals today.

Also see

• Roland Barthes
• Walter Benjamin
• Cultural criticism
• Photography
• Intellectual history