Florence Nightingale by Lytton Strachey: Main Theme

Florence Nightingale by Lytton Strachey: Main Theme

Q. What is the main theme of Florence Nightingale by Lytton Strachey?

Answer: "Florence Nightingale" is a biography written by Lytton Strachey, published in 1918. Strachey's work is part of the "Eminent Victorians" series, which aimed to provide unconventional and critical biographical accounts of notable figures from the Victorian era. In "Florence Nightingale," Strachey explores the life of the renowned English nurse and social reformer, Florence Nightingale, shedding light on her complex character and challenging the prevailing myths surrounding her.

The main theme of Strachey's biography is the deconstruction of the idealized image of Florence Nightingale as the "Lady with the Lamp" and the portrayal of her as a multi-dimensional and flawed human being. Strachey strives to dismantle the romanticized notions of Nightingale and presents a more nuanced and realistic portrait of her character, motivations, and achievements.

One of the central aspects of Nightingale's personality that Strachey highlights is her strong-willed nature and her determination to challenge the restrictions imposed on women in Victorian society. Nightingale was born into a wealthy and privileged family and was expected to conform to the traditional role of a Victorian woman, focusing on marriage and domesticity. However, she defied these expectations and pursued a career in nursing, which was considered an unsuitable and lowly profession for a woman of her status. Strachey portrays Nightingale as a rebellious and unconventional figure who was willing to sacrifice personal comforts and societal approval to pursue her calling.

Another theme explored by Strachey is Nightingale's relentless commitment to healthcare reform and her tireless efforts to improve the conditions of hospitals and nursing practices. Strachey delves into Nightingale's experiences during the Crimean War, where she gained recognition for her work in nursing wounded soldiers. However, he also critically examines Nightingale's management style and her interactions with her subordinates; shedding light on her autocratic tendencies and the conflicts she faced in trying to implement her reforms. Strachey's portrayal of Nightingale as a complex and imperfect leader challenges the idealized image of her as a saintly and selfless figure.

Besides, Strachey delves into Nightingale's personal struggles with her own health and mental well-being. Nightingale suffered from a range of ailments, including chronic fatigue and depression, which often left her bedridden. Strachey's biography explores the impact of Nightingale's health issues on her work and personal life, providing a more intimate understanding of the challenges she faced.

Strachey, also, examines Nightingale's relationships with her family, particularly her troubled connection with her mother. He explores the dynamics of this strained relationship and the influence it had on Nightingale's choices and sense of duty. By delving into Nightingale's personal life, Strachey humanizes her and portrays her as a complex individual with her own set of struggles and vulnerabilities.

Lytton Strachey's "Florence Nightingale", overall, challenges the idealized image of Nightingale as a saintly and one-dimensional figure. Strachey presents a multi-faceted portrayal of Nightingale, highlighting her determination to challenge societal norms, her healthcare reforms, her personal struggles, and her complex relationships. By providing a more nuanced understanding of Nightingale's life and character, Strachey invites readers to reconsider their preconceived notions and to appreciate the full complexity of this influential historical figure.

*****

👉 Cultural Materialism and New Historicism | How they differ?

👉 Preface to the Lyrical Ballads | a manifesto of the Romantic literary movement

👉 Aristotle's View of ‘Mimesis’ | How is the term different from that of Plato?

👉 Doing as One Likes | Matthew Arnold’s view upon English Aristocratic Class

👉 Politics and the English Language by George Orwell | 'political writing is bad writing'

👉 On Gusto | William Hazlitt’s view on Michael Angelo’s forms and Titian’s landscapes

👉 T. S. Eliot’s concept of the Impersonal theory of poetry

👉 Aristotle's Poetics | views on the plot of tragedy and its relative importance