Do you think "disciple" is the right word to describe what Nora is to Croft? Do you think it’s better to pledge yourself to an ideal or to another person?

Daniel, having begun to accept Nora's capability, observes that he is "not Croft's only disciple." Do you think "disciple" is the right word to describe what Nora is to Croft, in light of her apparent devotion to him? Do you think it’s better to pledge yourself to an ideal or to another person?

Man that’s a tuff one, I know in my like I’m pledged to certain people in my life but I’m also pledged to certain ideas on how to live my life, how I and how I practice my career.

I prefer the term student.He certainly taught her. She was devoted to him and also the love of medicine.

Nora was not a disciple nor did she pledge herself to Croft. In my opinion, their relationship was the classic student/teacher relationship. In the absence of a traditional classroom, she gained her medical knowledge by learning, observing and participating in on the job training at the clinic.

I think there is an element of discipleship in their relationship/ Nora certainly adheres to Croft's philosophical approach to medicine and reflects his interest in developing new techniques and innovative approaches. While I don't think she is "pledged to him, I think she tries to follow in his footsteps.

I dislike the word "disciple" to describe their relationship. It's definitely more teacher/student. I think it's more important to pledge yourself to the ideal...learn as much as you can from the mentor(s), be grateful, practice what you've learned, then share the knowledge with others. The human will not last but the ideal could last forever.

Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between the person and the concept. In the case of Dr. Croft, I think Nora has many emotions: the parental substitute, the mentor, the esteemed professional but he is a type of Svengali in the best of ways. You can see how easily impressionable young people get in over their heads with cults and other similar movements.

a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.--that is the definition of a disciple and so Nora was Dr Croft's disciple. She was his student, his protege---a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person. I like that term much better. She was not pledged to him--what does that mean, anyway? I've never been pledged to any of my teachers nor were any of my students pledged to me. She knew no other teacher--she grew up from childhood knowing what he did as a professional. She, like any child, became interested in what he was doing and found she, too, was fascinated by the human body and its construction and function. Showing ability and interest, Dr Croft willingly took her under his tutelage. What teacher would ignore a willing and able pupil?? She certainly wasn't going to find another willing to foster her interest! If not Croft, then who?

I like "student" better

Nora and Dr. Croft to employ a teacher/student relationship. The word "disciple" would be reflective of the time period. I think we all pledge ourselves to the ideals of others. Only believing in one person or one idea is very inflexible and non- progressive.

I also think it was more of student/teacher relationship because Nora only formal education was with Croft with some supplemental education from Mrs. Phipp. Though she follows Croft’s beliefs and methods she is very independent and pursues her medical interests. I think it is better to pledge yourself to yourself but show your appreciation to your mentors.

I totally agree with Katherinep. However, while it is absolutely true that Croft fostered Nora's interest in all things medical, I doubt whether she would have been interested in medicine had she been raised by others. There would have been other things she would have been exposed to. That being said, in light of the times and society's views on women, she likely would not have had the same opportunities or familial approval anyway.

I agree with the term, student, or maybe even protégé even though it was not acceptable at the time. I always think it is better to pledge yourself to an ideal, but we often times pledge ourselves to ideals and people.

Yes, she was his disciple in the strictest meaning of the word and in the vernacular of the time period; i.e., a follower of the doctrines of a teacher or a school of thought. If we keep the discussion within the realm of this definition, I believe we can all agree she was his disciple.

I prefer the word mentor. Dr. Croft certainly mentored Nora, gave her the intellectual wings to fly, and provided the environment that gave her own intellectual curiosity the resources to study. I don’t subscribe to pledging oneself to a cause, ideal or a person. That is a recipe for disappointment or disillusionment. Instead, I pledge to be true to myself and try to do the next right thing.

I would agree with vivianh - the term I would use is mentor/mentee relationship as I think their relationship was more intimate than teacher/student. I also think that her self-directedness helped to fuel their relationship as well.

Don’t like word disciple - devoted to and respected and loved him - believed in his work and felt he was selfless in wanting to help people -