Significance of Kotler’s Pillow

The special pillow given to Zuckerman by Dr. Kotler symbolizes Zuckerman’s desperation not only for a cure for his pain, but also for a remedy to his other personal problems. Although the actual effectiveness of Kotler’s pillow seems dubious, Zuckerman is willing to use the pillow in the hope that it may help fix his pain, Similarly, Zuckerman is willing to pursue an entirely new path in life in the hope that it will help soothe the pain of his general loneliness and frustration with his life.