Excoriation: Etymology
The term “excoriation” originates from the Latin word “excoriatio,” derived from “excoriare,” meaning to strip off the skin. In its medical context, excoriation refers to the act of abrasion or the removal of the superficial layers of the skin, often caused by friction or scratching.
Excoriation: Literal and Conceptual Meanings
| Literal Meaning | Conceptual Meaning |
| Skin Abrasion: | Censure or Criticism: |
| – Physical removal of the | – Metaphorical scraping or |
| skin’s superficial layers | criticism, often harsh or |
| severe. | |
| Self-Reflection: | |
| – Introspective examination or | |
| critique of one’s actions, | |
| behaviors, or decisions. |
Excoriation: Definition as a Literary Device
In literature, excoriation serves as a literary device through its metaphorical extension beyond its literal meaning of skin abrasion. It entails the harsh criticism or censure of characters or their actions, akin to the metaphorical stripping away of layers. This device adds depth to character dynamics, allowing authors to explore themes of self-reflection, moral scrutiny, and interpersonal conflict within the narrative.
Excoriation: Types
| Type of Excoriation | Example in Literature |
| Physical Excoriation | In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne bears a symbolic excoriation through the embroidered scarlet letter on her chest, representing both societal condemnation and her own internal moral scrutiny. |
| Metaphorical Excoriations | In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby experiences a metaphorical excoriation of his extravagant lifestyle and unrequited love through the judgment and moral critique of others, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall. |
| Self-Inflicted Excoriations | In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the titular character undergoes self-inflicted excoriation as he grapples with guilt and remorse following the murder of King Duncan, showcasing the psychological consequences of his actions. |
These examples illustrate different types of excoriation in literature, encompassing physical, metaphorical, and self-inflicted dimensions, each contributing to the thematic richness and character development within their respective works.
Excoriation: Examples in Everyday Life
- Social Media Criticism:
- Individuals may experience excoriations in the form of harsh criticism or negative comments on social media platforms, impacting their self-esteem and public image.
- Workplace Evaluation:
- Performance evaluations at work can be a source of excoriations when employees face severe criticism or unfavorable feedback, influencing their professional standing.
- Academic Assessment:
- Students may encounter excoriations through critical feedback on assignments or exams, affecting their academic confidence and self-perception.
- Public Scrutiny:
- Public figures, such as celebrities or politicians, often face excoriations from the media or the public, enduring intense criticism that can shape public opinion.
- Peer Review in Research:
- Scholars and researchers may experience excoriations during the peer review process, where their work is subjected to rigorous critique by colleagues.
- Parental Criticism:
- Children and adolescents may undergo excoriations in the form of parental criticism, impacting their emotional well-being and self-worth.
- Online Reviews:
- Businesses and products can face excoriations through negative online reviews, potentially influencing consumer perceptions and trust.
- Political Discourse:
- Politicians and public figures may undergo excoriations in the political arena, facing criticism and scrutiny for their decisions or actions.
- Personal Relationships:
- Individuals in personal relationships may experience excoriations through intense arguments or confrontations, affecting the dynamics and emotional well-being of those involved.
- Artistic Critique:
- Artists, writers, or performers may face excoriations through critical reviews or assessments of their creative work, influencing their artistic reputation.
These examples demonstrate how excoriation is a pervasive aspect of everyday life, manifesting in various contexts such as social interactions, professional settings, and personal relationships.
Excoriation in Literature: Suggested Readings
- Barthes, Roland. Mythologies. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012.
- Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books, 1995.
- Kristeva, Julia. Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection. Columbia University Press, 1982.
- Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Vintage Books, 1979.
- Derrida, Jacques. Of Grammatology. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998.
- Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
- Eco, Umberto. The Name of the Rose. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1983.
- Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Knopf, 1987.
- Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 2004.
- Marx, Karl, and Friedrich Engels. The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics, 2002.
