Grief themes

Four grief themes that were developed in clinical practice have been explored. These themes were also prevalent in Ibsen's play Little Eyolf. The conspiracy of silence, detachment, guilt, and resolutions are themes that are prevalent in Rita and Alfred's life and, therefore, in the grieving of little Eyolf's death. These themes are family motifs present in the family's history. They must be brought into the open, in the hope of achieving a resolution at times of death. If not, future physical and mental health might be affected. In counseling the dying and their families, the nurse must explore these developing themes. Previous themes must be understood before the present ones can be confronted and resolved. These themes can then be used to gain a broader perspective into the needs, problems, and emotions of the dying and his or her family.