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1. Describe the narrator's mindset at the beginning of the novel.

The narrator is completely paralyzed, and he is surrounded by doctors when he realizes that he hates doctors. Then strength returns to his body before he is taken away by orderlies on a stretcher.

2. What is the narrator's relationship with Tod Friendly?

He is a voice inside of Tod's head, without any control over Tod's thoughts, feelings, or actions. He can feel Tod's emotions, but he cannot read Tod's thoughts or control Tod's body.

3. What is Tod's relationship with the narrator?

The narrator is a voice in Tod's head, but Tod does not give any indication of knowing that the narrator is there. When Tod looks in the mirror, he only does so by accident, and he does not study his face to see what is inside of himself.

4. What is the key to substance for the narrator?

The toilet had special significance for the narrator. Living backwards as he is, the toilet is where he feels filled with substance. Eating food only gives him the sensation of spitting up onto a plate.

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