The Empathy Exams

In the essay “Grand Unified Theory of Female Pain,” Jamison describes 13 “wounds.” Why did she include these wounds? Is there significance in her choice to include 13 of them?

Over the course of The Empathy Exams, Jamison discusses both the intensity of her emotions and her hate for sentimentality. She, at intervals, attempts to come to terms with her own feelings about sentiment and melodrama. Does she come to a conclusion at the end of the collection? How does Jamison feel about emotions?

Jamison includes two “Pain Tours” essays in this collection. What are the main differences and similarities between “Pain Tours (I)” and “Pain Tours (II)”?

In the titular and first essay in the collection, Jamison uses her own experience in the medical field to create a “script” for a hypothetical patient preparing to undergo an abortion. How does this script reveal Jamison’s emotions regarding her procedures?

Jamison has multiple travel experiences she touches upon in this collection. She visits Mexico, Nicaragua, and Bolivia. In what ways does she speak about each of these places? How do these places impact her? Does her international experience impact the way she views compassion? Privilege?

In several essays, Jamison uses unique section breaks (bolded titles, numbered wounds, functions) to format her writing. Choose one essay and discuss how these section breaks add to or detract from the text. What purpose do they serve? Why did Jamison choose them?

Jamison alludes to popular television shows, documentaries, and books throughout her essay to highlight the ways the characters experience and express pain. Why does she do this? In what ways are these references effective?

How does Jamison use her writings to process her past romantic relationships? How is this related to empathy?