Veronika Decides to Die Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapters 14 and 15 Summary

Chapters 14 and 15 Summary

In Chapter 14, as Veronika returns to consciousness in Dr. Igor's consulting room, she overhears him comment to her that she could live to be a hundred. When she questions what he means, he dismisses her, telling her to lie down. After a deliberate silence, Dr. Igor leads her into a conversation about the schizophrenic patient Eduard who, Igor says, lives in and defines his own reality. This leads into a conversation about reality in general, which is, Igor says, "whatever the majority deems it to be...[and] supports the desires of society as a whole". In the middle of the conversation, Igor drifts into a contemplation of his theory of insanity, a theory that he believes and hopes will lead to recognition and acclaim. This is the idea that insanity is triggered by a substance called Vitriol, which Igor contends is essentially deeply held bitterness which leads the sufferer to...
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