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Diagnosing History: Medicine in Television Period Drama

Fernando Bell

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Diagnosing history: Medicine in television period drama

by Julie Anne Taddeo

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2595 KB
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Print length	:	432 pages

Television period dramas have captivated audiences worldwide with their immersive storytelling and intricate historical details. Beyond the captivating characters and enthralling plots, these dramas often delve into the intricacies of life in bygone eras, including the prevailing medical practices and beliefs.

Through the lens of skilled historical consultants and collaborations with medical experts, television period dramas offer a unique window into the history of medicine. They bring to life the challenges, advancements, and social attitudes surrounding healthcare in different historical periods, providing valuable insights into the evolution of medical knowledge and its impact on societies of the past.

Accuracy and Interpretation

Striking a balance between historical accuracy and compelling storytelling, television period dramas portray medicine with varying degrees of faithfulness. While some shows prioritize meticulous attention to detail, others adopt a more imaginative approach, utilizing medical practices as a narrative device to explore broader themes.

Shows like "The Knick" (2014-2015) and "Mercy Street" (2016-2017) have garnered praise for their unflinching realism, accurately recreating surgical procedures, hospital conditions, and medical instruments of the late 19th century. In contrast, dramas like "Outlander" (2014-present) and "The Crown" (2016-present) take creative liberties with medical storylines, using them as a means to delve into characters' motivations and societal issues.

Common Medical Themes

Despite their diverse approaches, television period dramas frequently explore certain medical themes:

Disease Outbreaks: Dramas often depict the devastating impact of epidemics, such as cholera in "Peaky Blinders" (2013-2022) and smallpox in "Call the Midwife" (2012-present).
Childbirth and Maternal Health: The perils of childbirth and the limited options available to pregnant women are frequently portrayed, highlighting the challenges faced by mothers and medical practitioners alike.
Mental Health: Television period dramas shed light on the historical treatment of mental illness, from asylums to innovative therapies, exploring the stigma and lack of understanding surrounding mental health.
Wartime Medicine: The horrors of battlefield injuries and the ingenuity of frontline medics are often depicted, showcasing the unique medical challenges posed by armed conflict.

The Social Impact of Medicine

Beyond the physical suffering and medical interventions, television period dramas also explore the profound social impact of medicine.

They highlight the inequalities in healthcare access, the influence of class and gender on medical treatment, and the evolving role of women in the medical profession. Dramas like "The Midwife" (2002) and "Fleabag" (2016-2019) portray the struggles and triumphs of women navigating the male-dominated medical field.

Television period dramas are not merely entertaining diversions but valuable tools for understanding the history of medicine and its far-reaching societal impact. Through their diverse portrayals of medical practices, beliefs, and social attitudes, these shows provide a rich tapestry of insights into the human experience and the evolution of healthcare over time.

By combining historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, television period dramas offer an accessible and engaging way to explore the intricacies of medicine in the past and its enduring legacy in shaping modern medical practices and societies.

Diagnosing history: Medicine in television period drama

by Julie Anne Taddeo

4.9 out of 5