what is hysteria in literature
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Hysteria in literature refers to a plot device or recurring theme where characters, usually female, experience uncontrolled emotions or behavior that is irrational, exaggerated, or seen as abnormal by society. It is often depicted as a mental or emotional disorder believed to be specific to women. Hysteria can manifest in various ways, such as fainting, hallucinations, fits, or intense emotional outbursts. In literature, hysteria can be used to explore gender roles, societal constraints, oppression, or the perceived fragility of women. Notable examples of hysteria in literature include the characters Bertha Mason in "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte and Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams.