A Leg to Stand On Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

A Leg to Stand On Topics for Discussion

Examine the suggestion in the analysis of chapter one that the author's encounter with the bull has metaphorical, archetypal resonances. In this context, discuss ways in which the encounter with the bull foreshadows the author's encounter with his equally unpredictable, equally fear-inducing, equally "monstrous" leg.

Recall your experiences of the patient/physician relationship, either in terms of a particular injury or general practice. In what ways do your experiences echo those of Dr. Sacks? In what ways were they different? Do you agree or disagree with his contention that for the most part, physicians set themselves up as somehow superior while patients set them up as somehow submissive?

Discuss ways in which the quotes at the beginning of each chapter seem to reflect that chapter's content, either literally or metaphorically.

Discuss ways in which the attitudes of the five primary medical professionals encountered by the author (Nurse Solveig,...
(read more)