Schwarz Judith

This chapter discusses the issue of euthanasia raised by the film _The English Patient_ (1996). The film, set in the late 1930s, focuses on Count Laszlo de Almásy (Ralph Fiennes) who is horribly burned in a plane accident and his nurse, Hana (Juliette Binoche), who ultimately gives in to his plea to help him die. Count Laszlo's request to Hana came after they had developed a long and trusting relationship. Her decision to honor his wishes was not lightly made, but was consistent with the care that she had provided him all along. Hana is the embodiment of excellence in nursing practice. She nurtured his body by providing good nutrition, pain control, and excellent skin care; his mind by reading to him from his favorite book; his soul by taking him out to feel the rain; and, ultimately, his peace of mind by giving him control over the manner and timing of his death.