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1. Where has the author spent much of his last year when the book begins?

When the book begins, Jean has been confined to the same hospital bed for the past six months.

2. What happened to Jean on December 6th?

Jean's former life was cut off on Friday December 6th after suffering a massive stroke.

3. How does Jean communicate, and why?

Jean-Dominique is completely paralyzed because of the massive stroke he suffered on December 6th, and he suffers from Locked-In syndrome. Because of this, his only form of communication is blinking his left eyelid.

4. What causes Jean discomfort, and how is this discomfort relieved?

Although Jean cannot move, he often feels stiff and sore. Stretching just a fraction of an inch helps to relieve the sensation of being confined to a "diving bell."

5. What kind of creature does Jean compare himself to and why?

Jean considers himself a butterfly because his mind is alert and active and allows him to feel as though he is fluttering about outside of the diving bell that he feels he is confined inside due to his overwhelming paralysis.

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