Chapter 4: Imagine My Shock Summary and Analysis

An exciting day finally arrives when Augusten's mother tells his that they will be visiting Dr. Finch at his home. Just as Augusten dreamed, the doctor holds a very prestigious address in Northampton, Massachusetts. Anxiously, Augusten admired the old, Victorian mansions that line the streets.

When they pull up to Dr. Finch's home, however, Augusten's dreams shatter. The house pales in comparison to others on the street. The outside stand sin need of repair and maintenance. Moreover, the inside it is filthy. Dr. Finch's wife, Agnes, greets them at the door. Augusten thinks to himself that she reminds him of Edith Bunker.

Dr. Finch's children seem to run wild. At first, Augusten fears playing with them. They force Augusten to join them in playing with their father's old electric shock therapy machine. Furthermore, the doctor's...