The demonic image of autoimmunity in Dan Brown’s Angels and demons

Abstract EN

Autoimmunity is a philosophical term that enhances the fields of life-sciences, and links out to the unnatural behaviour of an individual.

It is caused by the defenses of an organism that deceive its own tissues.

Obviously, the immune system should protect the body against invading cells with types of white blood cells called antibodies.

Nevertheless, when an autoimmune disease attacks, it causes perilous actions like suicide.

Psychologically, Jacques Derrida (1930-2004) calls autoimmunity a double suicide, because it harms the self and the other.

In this case, the organ disarms betraying cells, as the immune system cannot provide protection.

From a literary perspective, Derrida has called autoimmunity as deconstruction for over forty years.

Autoimmunity is an animalistic behaviour that makes a sufferer strive to change the current political system, because s/he believes to have a better democratic system.

The purpose of this paper is to explore Dan Brown’s novel Angels & Demons (2000), to reflect how people should always expect autoimmune attacks.

Worse attacks should be expected in the future, because more people want to revolt against current political systems.

That is why autoimmunity is considered to be political terrorism.