The Nursing Sister by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative centers on a young nurse working in a maternity hospital, highlighting her dedication and the challenges she faces. The poem reflects on her role as a caregiver, emphasizing her youth and inexperience, symbolized by her lack of breasts, which signifies her childlike status despite her responsibilities. The nurse is portrayed as a figure of authority, yet she is also depicted as vulnerable and isolated, akin to a flower that has not yet bloomed. The other characters express a mix of admiration and playful mockery towards her, acknowledging her hard work while also recognizing her naivety. The poem captures the tension between the nurse's serious duties and her youthful innocence, illustrating the complexities of her position. The imagery of the "Wind of the South" suggests a longing for growth and understanding, as the nurse navigates the emotional landscape of childbirth and the lives of the women she serves. Ultimately, the work explores themes of maturity, responsibility, and the bittersweet nature of life and death, as the nurse stands at the threshold of new beginnings while grappling with her own unfulfilled potential. The juxtaposition of laughter and sorrow underscores the emotional weight of her role, revealing the deeper implications of caregiving in a maternity setting.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama · 257 words
First lines
_(Maternity Hospital)_
Our sister sayeth such and such. / And we must bow to her behests; / Our sister toileth overmuch, / Our little maid that hath no breasts.
A field untilled, a web unwove, / A flower withheld from sun or bee, / An alien in the courts of Love, / And -- teacher unto such as we!
We love her, but we laugh the while, / We laugh, but sobs are mixed with laughter; / Our sister hath no time to smile, / She knows not what must follow after.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and relationships, typical of literary fiction.
- Drama — The emotional tension and character dynamics suggest dramatic elements.
- Romance — Themes of love and relationships are present, though not central.
Tags
nursing · sister · maternity · hospital · birth · love · sorrow · laughter · sacrifice · feminine · childhood · innocence
What this Textopian page supports
The Nursing Sister is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction
- Length: 257 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Nursing Sister by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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