Edith Cavell: martyr or patriot

The transformation of British nurse Edith Cavell, executed by the Germans during World War I for spying and helping some French and British soldiers escape, from a patriot to a martyr in popular media representations is discussed. It is observed that her patriotic act was changed into an act of mart...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian and New Zealand journal of art 2001-01, Vol.2 (1), p.83-98
Main Author: Speck, Catherine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biography
Nurses
Women martyrs
World War (1914-1918)
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Summary:The transformation of British nurse Edith Cavell, executed by the Germans during World War I for spying and helping some French and British soldiers escape, from a patriot to a martyr in popular media representations is discussed. It is observed that her patriotic act was changed into an act of martyrdom to preserve the feminine image of nurses in English and Australian society, and also to make brave act of a woman acceptable to male politicians in the countries.
ISSN:1443-4318
2203-1871
DOI:10.1080/14434318.2001.11432688