The Night Nurse

A detailed Summary of The Night Nurse

Grace has many meanings in the English language today. One of these meanings is

to be pardoned from one's actions. In "The Night Nurse," by Joyce Carol Oates, Grace

Burkhardt is pardoned many times in her life. She is pardoned from dying, pardoned from

her actions toward others, and eventually pardons herself from her actions. In life, we are

given grace, a pardon for our actions, many times,

The first example of grace being given is Grace Burkhardt's life being saved

physically. She could have died, but was instead saved, and was given more time to live.

The doctors saved her life, not because they "chose her," but because of their job. Grace

was not pardoned by the doctors, but by God, who allowed her to live a while longer on

the earth. She would have died from "pulmonary embolism," had she not been saved by

the doctors. Pulmonary embolism would have been caused by "a 'massive' blood clot in

her leg which, had it broken free" would have been carried to her heart, and would have

killed her instantly. Instead of dying, at this place and time, Grace is given more time to

I have experienced this type of grace many times throughout my life. Although

The third way grace is given in "The Night Nurse" is how Grace pardons herself

cheek" and forgive someone for their wrongdoing against me. I am a stubborn, stubborn

and I've had my share of ditches. I have been shown grace in that I have never been hurt.

reunited with an old acquaintance from her past, and a painful past between the two

person, and to forgive and forget does not match my personality. If someone does

towards Harriet. Harriet at first thought that she would not be able to show any

look past what Grace did to her, and forgave her.

to realize that, and be friendly with everyone. Being friendly never killed anyone.

Approximate Word count = 1026
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.