Florence Nightingale by Lytton Strachey: Main Theme
Q: "What impacts does Lytton Strachey show on the female identity of social influence in his book 'Florence Nightingale'?"
Or Q. What is the main theme of Florence Nightingale by Lytton Strachey?
Answer: A chapter of Lytton Strachey's book "Eminent Victorians" is "Florence Nightingale". In this book, he analyzes the life and personality of Florence Nightingale. Strachey shows not only of Nightingale’s actions, but also shows how social influences affected the female form and identity. He makes it clear what limitations were for women in the social system of the Victorian era and how Florence Nightingale broke these boundaries.
1. Social background and traditional identity of woman
Florence Nightingale was born into an upper class family. At that time, Victorian society expected women to live in the boundary wall of the house, look beautiful and get married and become a housewife. Things like education and freedom were not considered for women. There was also social pressure on Nightingale to marry and live life like a "decent woman".
But he did not accept these social standards. Stretchy writes that Florence was a stubborn and confident woman who did not accept that only men should take decisions.
2. Women's education and limited opportunities
Strachey also states that Nightingale had difficulty in getting education as women did not get higher education at that time. The participation of women in areas such as medical, science and administration was seen down. But Nightingale decided to go against the will of her parents and become a nurse, which was considered a low-class task at that time.
This decision was a rebellion against social influences in itself. Stretchy shows that this battle of Nightingale became an inspiration not only for herself, but for all women.
3. Religious and Ethical Impact
Florence Nightingale had a deep religious feeling within. Stretchy explains that she considered her life as "service to God" and engaged in nursing work. But she did not adopt social and religious beliefs as superstition. She was religious, but she used religion for women empowerment.
For her, religion was not just worshiping, but a medium of social service. This approach gave her female form a new identity - strong, self -sufficient and useful woman for society.
4. Women rejection in male dominated society
According to Strachey, Florence Nightingale had to hit the male officials repeatedly. When she tried to improve hospitals during the Crimian War, she had to face opposition from male doctors and officials.
This protest was proof that the society did not want to give women the power to take decisions. But Florence Nightingale did not give up. She made administrative reforms, improved hospital system and gave women a new identity.
5. Dual image of Nightingale - Nurse and Administrator
Strachey also highlights that Nightingale's image was like mercy and service statue on the one hand; on the other hand she was also a strict and disciplined administrator. The society appreciated her kind side, but saw her leadership and the ability to take rigorous decisions.
This reflects the thinking in which the woman is seen as soft, tolerant and obedient, but when the same woman leads, she is called harsh.
6. Travel from social identity to personal identity
Florence Nightingale's life shows how a woman can get out of social role and make her own identity. Stretchy shows that Nightingale challenged every rule made by society - whether it is marriage pressure, men dominating men in the professional field, or boundaries of religion.
She not only made a way for women, but also proved that the woman is identified with her thinking, hard work and struggle and not with the grooves of the society.
Conclusion
Lytton Stretchy's "Florence Nightingale" is not just a biography; it is also a social analysis. In this book, he shows how the social beliefs of the Victorian era suppressed women, but some women, such as Florence Nightingale, challenge these social effects.
Stretchy's writing makes it clear that Nightingale not only made nursing a profession, but also established the strong identity of women. He showed that women are not limited to domestic life only, but she can also become a big symbol of leadership, improvement and service.
"Florence Nightingale": important questions and answers
Q 1: In which social background was Florence Nightingale born and how did it affect his life?
Answer: Florence Nightingale was born into a rich and upper -class British family. The society wanted them to be a traditional woman - get married and adopt domestic life. But she rejected this social pressure and chose the way to become a nurse for himself, which was considered a low -class task at that time. This decision became a symbol of women's identity and freedom.
Q 2: Which personality of Florence Nightingale has been raised by Lytton Strachey in his composition?
Answer: Strachey has presented Florence Nightingale not only as a statue of mercy and service, but as a woman with a strong, disciplined and administrative capacity. He showed that Nightingale would have an effective leadership in male dominated society and made major improvements in the medical system.
Question 3: How has Lytton Strachey criticized social beliefs in the chapter 'Florence Nightingale'?
Answer: Strachey has criticized the beliefs of the Victorian era that limited women to marriage and domestic functions only. He showed how society used to suppress women's education, ambition and professional life. From the example of Florence Nightingale, he proves that women can break these social restrictions.
Question 4: How did the religious spirit of Florence Nightingale give direction to his life?
Answer: Nightingale's religious spirit inspired him to consider life as a medium of service. She did not limit the use of religion only to worship, but converted it into practical social service. She saw the service of God in hospital reform, nursing system and goodness of people.
Question 5: How did Florence Nightingale give a new look to women's identity?
Answer: Nightingale showed that the woman is not only soft and emotional, she can also be a leader, reformer and decisive. She made nursing a profession and gave a new definition of women power with her intelligence, discipline and courage.
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