Two major types of knowledge emerge in this play. Academic knowledge represented by Vivian, Dr. Kelekian, and Dr. Jason gained through proper university education whose actions display academic elitism between teacher-student and doctor-patient. Humanitarian knowledge is gained through interaction. Vivian gained it after interacting with Susie when this nurse was always available during the time when in pain and lonely (69).
Academic knowledge bestows on the bearer's power and high regard in the society as demonstrated by Vivian’s feeling of helplessness at the hospital compared to the power she wielded over her students at the University. “Once I did the teaching, now am taught” (37). On the other hand, other forms of knowledge are poorly regarded as Jason asserts this regarding his take on bedside manners as a “colossal waste of time for researchers” (55).
The two types of knowledge are related since they complement each other. Vivian realized the significance of human contact when under lots of pain and alone appreciated the role Susie played during this moment. Acquisition of knowledge should not be at the expense of humanity.
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