Section 5 Summary

Section 5 is one of the longest sections in the novel, and it covers several conversations that take place in the hospital where the protagonist is recovering. It is now a week since the accident. The protagonist awakens to the cheery voice of his nurse telling him he is allowed to have visitors. He is less than enthusiastic at the news. She insists on shaving him to make him look better. He says he prefers to look ill. The nurse wins out and shaves him. Then, she hands him a mirror so he can admire himself. He threatens to break it. Shortly after the nurse leaves, the doctor enters his room. He tells his patient that the pain will last a few more days and asks him if he is afraid of suffering. The protagonist tells his doctor that he's not afraid of suffering...