Structure

“Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande is a non-fiction work that delves into the care of the elderly and dying past, present and future. Since there is not a story being told per se, there is no chronological order to the structure because it is not necessary. Dr. Gawande makes his case about the health care industry as it relates to the terminally ill by presenting his personal experiences and opinions, anecdotal evidence that shines a light on various aspects of care of the elderly and opinion and raw data that he has amassed from other experts in the medical and clinical research fields.

In the first chapter he describes the need for the elderly to maintain their own identity and independence and have purpose for as long as possible. He begins with this element because it remains important throughout his work. He stresses this point repeatedly because...