How does the author use the character of the nurse to develop the social issue of gender inequality? the nurse’s willingness

General
1

how does the author use the character of the nurse to develop the social issue of gender inequality? the nurse’s willingness to take care of nora when nora was little demonstrates a woman’s ability to do difficult work. the nurse’s need to give up a child in order to have a job demonstrates a woman’s inability to support herself. the fact that the nurse’s child wrote to her as a young girl and as an adult demonstrates a woman’s ability to keep friends forever. the nurse’s assurance to nora that her children ask for her often demonstrates women’s role in health care.

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How does the author use the character of the nurse to develop the social issue of gender inequality?

Answer:
In the play, the author skillfully employs the character of the nurse to shed light on the social issue of gender inequality. The nurse’s portrayal conveys various aspects of the challenges and stereotypes women faced during that era.

  1. Willingness to Care for Nora: The nurse’s willingness to take care of Nora when she was young showcases a woman’s ability to undertake difficult and demanding tasks. This demonstrates the stereotype that women are expected to fulfill caregiving roles, often without recognition or compensation.

  2. Sacrifice of a Child for Employment: The nurse’s heartbreaking decision to give up her own child in order to maintain her job highlights the harsh reality of women’s economic dependence on men or certain jobs. This aspect reveals the systemic barriers and limited opportunities women faced in providing for themselves independently.

  3. Long-lasting Friendships: The fact that the nurse’s child wrote to her as a young girl and later as an adult signifies a woman’s enduring ability to maintain relationships. This underscores the emotional labor and commitment women often invest in sustaining connections, despite societal pressures and personal sacrifices.

  4. Women’s Role in Healthcare: The nurse’s reassurance to Nora about her children’s inquiries reflects the traditional association of women with caregiving and healthcare roles. It underscores the societal expectations and stereotypes that confine women to roles related to nurturing and support.

Through these nuanced portrayals of the nurse, the author effectively uses the character to illuminate the multifaceted layers of gender inequality prevalent in society, drawing attention to the challenges, sacrifices, and strengths of women within the context of the play.