Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis

Chapter six is prefaced by a quote from the German existentialist philosopher Nietzsche in which he contemplates the joy and freedom in the healing process.

The author writes at the beginning of this chapter about his celebration at being moved to the next phase of his recovery - convalescence, or restful healing, a transition from the hospital to the daily life of the real world. He describes his daily physiotherapy practices, his occasional attempts to push himself too far, and his resentment at having seeing his recovery described, on his chart, as being "uneventful".

As he is moved from his very small, windowless room to a much larger room with a view of the courtyard, the author realizes the depth and complexity of his confinement. He writes that after being confined in such a small space for such a long time...