He Was Not One of Us and The Doomed Generation Summary and Analysis

Back at the hotel, Hunter finds the afflicted Ralph groaning piteously while an elderly Japanese woman massages his back. Ralph berates Hunter for keeping company with a "dope addict" and is disgusted to learn that Skinner will serve as photographer. He complains to Hunter about the many difficulties that he and his family have endured and relates the story of how he came to be injured. The author's exaggeration of Ralph's litany suggests that Ralph is being unreasonably maudlin. Outside the hotel, the rain continues unabated.

Hunter calls down to the gift shop to order a ripe aloe plant. He also asks if they have anything to cut or pulverize the plant. The gift shop suggests a set of knives, but Hunter insists...