Introduction
This essay provides a literary analysis of Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza’s “This Is Spinal Fusion,” a personal narrative that explores the physical and emotional challenges of living with scoliosis. Published as a memoir-style piece, the text delves into the author’s diagnosis, treatment, and societal perceptions of deformity, weaving personal experience with historical and literary references. The purpose of this analysis is to examine how Buckwalter-Poza uses narrative techniques, intertextuality, and imagery to convey the alienation and transformation associated with scoliosis. The essay will focus on three key areas: the portrayal of physical deformity as a social stigma, the role of historical and literary allusions in framing her experience, and the symbolism of spinal fusion as a metaphor for resilience. Through this exploration, the essay aims to highlight the text’s broader implications for understanding disability narratives within a cultural context.
Physical Deformity and Social Stigma
Buckwalter-Poza vividly illustrates the social stigma attached to physical deformity, particularly through her personal encounters with scoliosis. From the outset, the diagnostic moment in the school gym reveals a shift in perception; the doctor’s changed expression and impersonal touch—“a man’s hand running down my spine impersonally, as if I were no more animate than a mannequin or cadaver”—strip her of individuality (Buckwalter-Poza, n.d.). This moment underscores how the visible signs of scoliosis mark her as ‘other,’ aligning with broader societal tendencies to marginalise those with physical differences. Indeed, her experience of wearing a brace, described as a “portable, plastic iron maiden,” not only highlights physical discomfort but also the humiliation of being visibly different during adolescence, a time when conformity often equates to acceptance (Buckwalter-Poza, n.d.). This aligns with scholarly observations that disability often intersects with identity formation, amplifying feelings of alienation during formative years (Davis, 1995). Her narrative thus offers a critique of societal norms that equate physical normalcy with worth, a theme that resonates deeply within disability studies.
Intertextuality and Historical Context
A significant strength of Buckwalter-Poza’s narrative lies in her use of intertextuality to frame her personal struggle within a broader historical and literary context. She draws on diverse references, from the Bible’s Leviticus, which damns deformities as blights, to Shakespeare’s depiction of Richard III as a “poisonous hunchback’d toad” (Buckwalter-Poza, n.d.). These allusions serve to illustrate the longstanding cultural association of deformity with moral failing or social inferiority. Furthermore, her reference to Hephaestus, the deformed Greek god who becomes a source of amusement, reflects the historical role of the disabled as entertainers or spectacles, as seen in ancient “monster markets” (Buckwalter-Poza, n.d.). Such references, while effective in grounding her personal narrative, are limited by their focus on negative portrayals, offering little in the way of positive historical counter-narratives. Nevertheless, they provide a critical lens through which to view her own experiences of being scrutinised and diminished, highlighting the enduring impact of cultural narratives on individual identity (Garland-Thomson, 1997).
Symbolism of Spinal Fusion and Resilience
The spinal fusion surgery, a pivotal moment in the narrative, emerges as a powerful symbol of transformation and resilience. Buckwalter-Poza describes the procedure in visceral detail, noting how the surgeon “winched my spine nearly straight” with “screws, hooks, and two long steel rods” (Buckwalter-Poza, n.d.). This imagery of mechanical intervention parallels the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, which she witnesses post-surgery, likening the buildings to “the rods now holding my spine together” (Buckwalter-Poza, n.d.). This metaphor arguably suggests a shared vulnerability but also a reconstructed strength, as her spine, like society post-tragedy, is rebuilt stronger through fusion. While the analogy may appear somewhat forced, it effectively captures the dual themes of fragility and recovery. Moreover, her return to school—marked by physical limitations and social isolation—underscores that resilience is not merely physical but also emotional, a point supported by disability theorists who argue recovery extends beyond the body to societal reintegration (Shakespeare, 2013).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza’s “This Is Spinal Fusion” offers a compelling exploration of scoliosis through personal narrative, intertextuality, and symbolism. The text critiques the social stigma of physical deformity, situating her experience within a historical continuum of marginalisation through literary allusions. Additionally, the spinal fusion surgery serves as a metaphor for resilience, reflecting both physical and emotional reconstruction. While the narrative occasionally lacks depth in countering negative cultural portrayals with affirming perspectives, it remains a poignant contribution to disability literature. Its implications extend to broader discussions on how societal perceptions shape individual experiences of disability, urging a reconsideration of normalcy and acceptance in contemporary discourse. Ultimately, Buckwalter-Poza’s work invites readers to reflect on the intersection of body, identity, and cultural narrative, a theme with enduring relevance.
References
- Buckwalter-Poza, R. (n.d.) This Is Spinal Fusion. [Original publication details unavailable as provided in student excerpt].
- Davis, L. J. (1995) Enforcing Normalcy: Disability, Deafness, and the Body. Verso.
- Garland-Thomson, R. (1997) Extraordinary Bodies: Figuring Physical Disability in American Culture and Literature. Columbia University Press.
- Shakespeare, T. (2013) Disability Rights and Wrongs Revisited. Routledge.
