Fourth Reflection on THE ENGLISH PATIENT

Ambling in the middle of the novel, I am often affected by the recurring image of a young nurse taking care of a critically burnt soldier in an unsafe nunnery in the hills of Florence. Every time I encounter this familiar scenario, I simultaneously face a barrage of questions. How does she manage to deal with a disfigured man? Does she have any hidden fears and hesitations while facing the unfamiliar gestures, behaviors, and limitations of a severely disabled man? If yes, how does she overcome the fears and transform into love? In the end, I always ask myself if any of us in can do what she does. Can we? From childhood onward, teachers and parents incessantly remind us that we should not discriminate those who are disabled, yet to treat them equally, or even better. Everyone knows that it is our responsibility to help those who do not have perfect bodies as we do. Nevertheless, how many of us have transferred this notion into action? It is definitely much more difficult than we could imagine to do something similar to what Hana does. However, we must overcome the challenge and learn to take actions to help those who are disabled. Our effort may not repair their damaged bodies; however, our love can gradually cure their damaged hearts.