Part 3: Chapters 17 - 21 Summary

In Chapter 17, Dr. Rivers believes that Charles Manning is making good progress and that Manning may soon be discharged from the hospital.

Rivers learns that his friend and patient Siegfried Sassoon suffered a head wound at the Front. Sassoon has been admitted to the American Red Cross Hospital in Lancaster. Outside Sassoon's room, Dr. Rivers meets Dr. Saunders. Saunders shows Rivers an x-ray of Sassoon's skull. The wound is not life-threatening. Saunders tells Dr. Rivers that just after arriving, Sassoon seemed to be doing well emotionally. However, after having a slew of visitors, Sassoon was now quite excited, almost manic. Saunders became concerned and called Rivers.

Rivers finds Siegfried Sassoon in a state of high excitement.

Sassoon's newest book of poetry has just come out. Sassoon tells Rivers that he must see Robert Ross. Sassoon is convinced that the...