Chapter 20 Summary

In Chapter 20, in the first part of this lengthy chapter, Veronika visits Dr. Igor and begs for medication to keep her awake. She has realized, she tells him, that she wants to fill what little time she has left with as many experiences, as many feelings, as many new sensations as possible. Igor initially refuses, saying that too many stimulants would make Veronika too excited to truly enjoy her experiences but later relents. Before she leaves, Veronika tells him about her experience masturbating, and asks whether she's a pervert. Igor comments on how everyone has different sexual desires but not everyone acts upon them, since for someone to act on what makes him or her different makes cowards out of everyone else. After she goes, he reflects on his understandings about sexuality, realizing the truth of what he said and coming to the...