Susan Sontag was an American writer, filmmaker, and activist known for her groundbreaking work in literature and culture. She was a prolific intellectual who wrote on a wide range of topics, including art, politics, and human rights.
Sontag died in New York City in 2004 at the age of 71. However, despite being an American citizen, Sontag is buried in Paris, France. This begs the question: Why is Susan Sontag buried in Paris?
The Life of Susan Sontag
Before delving into why Susan Sontag is buried in Paris, it’s important to understand who she was and what she accomplished during her lifetime.
Born in New York City on January 16th, 1933, Susan Sontag grew up to become one of the most influential American intellectuals of her time. She attended the University of Chicago and Harvard University before embarking on a career as a writer.
Sontag’s writing career spanned several decades and included numerous novels, essays, and works of non-fiction. Her most famous books include “Against Interpretation,” “Illness as Metaphor,” and “On Photography.” In addition to her literary work, she was also involved in activism and advocacy for human rights.
Why Is Susan Sontag Buried in Paris?
Now that we have a better understanding of who Susan Sontag was let’s explore why she is buried in Paris.
Sontag had a deep connection with France throughout her life. She first visited the country as a teenager and fell in love with its culture and people. Later on, she spent significant time living there while working on various writing projects.
However, the main reason why Susan Sontag is buried in Paris is that it was her final wish. In an interview with The Guardian newspaper shortly before her death from cancer in 2004, Sontag expressed her desire to be buried in Paris. She said, “I would like to be buried in Paris, where I first felt I was becoming someone.”
Her wish was granted, and she was buried in the Cimetière du Montparnasse in Paris. Her grave is marked by a simple headstone that reads “Susan Sontag 1933-2004,” along with a quote from her book “In America.”
The Legacy of Susan Sontag
Susan Sontag’s legacy continues to live on long after her death. Her writing has influenced generations of intellectuals and artists around the world. Her work has been translated into over 30 languages and has won numerous awards.
In addition to her literary achievements, Sontag was also an advocate for human rights and a champion for marginalized communities. She used her platform as a writer to bring attention to issues such as political oppression and the AIDS crisis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Susan Sontag is buried in Paris because it was her final wish. As an American writer who had a deep connection with France throughout her life, she wanted to be laid to rest in the country where she felt most at home. Despite being gone for over 17 years now, Susan Sontag’s work continues to inspire and influence people around the world, cementing her place as one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century.