Chapter V Summary and Analysis

The impact of the diagnosis of malignant cancer surprisingly tends to fade in time. However, there are little reminders almost on a daily basis - like sores and ulcers on the tongue, numb feet and having to eat like a baby among many others. The most alarming moment for Christopher was when suddenly one day, his voice had transformed into a childish squeak. The threat of losing his voice altogether always loomed. One day he went to hail a cab and nothing came out. Christopher's unique voice was important to him and his most distinguishing feature. He wound up talking less but recalled how he had told students long ago to find their "voice" in writing. The biggest compliment that a reader ever gave Christopher was to tell him that he felt as though Christopher was addressing him directly...