Asthma and its Symbolism: The Respiratory Aesthetics of José Lezama Lima

This chapter investigates the degree to which Jose Lezama Lima who was a lifelong sufferer of asthma incorporated the visions caused by asthma crises and treatments within his 'sistema poetico' and evaluates the symbolic resonance of asthma within the novel Paradiso. It focuses on the presentation of asthma in Lezama's works especially Paradiso paying particular attention to asthma attacks, the varying opinions concerning causes and triggers the effects of medication and treatment. The chapter describes the incorporation of asthma into a poetic mythology that shows Lezama engaging in a dialogue with asthma. Lezama himself remarks that he was grateful to his asthma as it allowed him to avoid obligatory sports at university 'he wanted to avoid sports and so he exhumed his old asthma like a flag with which he could cover himself'. The chapter describes that the poetic and symbolic language employed by Lezama is one of empowerment; it is a declaration not of illness but of wellness.