Helping by Robert Stone Summary

Helping is a story of a social worker, Elliot, and his patients. The story begins with him seeing a man who claims to have served in Vietnam, though his story is improbable at best. He goes home to his wife, Grace, who is also a social worker, but for children. They discuss a case she had where she tried to remove a child from a dangerous family situation, but failed. Later that night, the father from this family calls their house and threatens them; Elliot invites him to come over, saying that he is ready to take him. Elliot has been drinking again, although he is an ex-alcoholic. He goes outside and runs into a neighbor, who sees him drunk. Elliot decides to go for a walk back home.

Helping by Robert Stone Analysis

Helping demonstrates the...