AIDS and its representation in the works of William S. Burroughs

In 1983, when the discovery of AIDS was publicly disclosed, many readers and admirers William S. Burroughs pointed out how he had described disease in his work. is very similar to scarlet fever Cities Red Night as reported by (Cities red night, Picador, London 1981). Those who spoke prophecy highlighted that B-23 virus originated Africa sexually transmitted, like HIV. This led idea anticipated spread virus. played on this coincidence commented it part a writer’s job “shape” reality, but there are significant differences between characteristics two viruses. first decades epidemic, were alternative theories disputes concerning official aetiology at same time was, represents, diffidence towards government healthcare systems. Many other plagues have been American fiction, might invented starting from these earlier examples. Thus, Burroughs’s viruses, rather than foreshadowing physical symptoms AIDS, foreshadow pseudo-scientific theories, thoughts beliefs arising disease.