1. Essentially, why could Sacks not tense up the quadriceps?
(a) His tendon had not been fully reconnected.
(b) His brain could not communicate with either leg.
(c) He had forgotten how.
(d) The muscle was completely wasted away.

2. In the hospital gardens, what set patients off from non-patients?
(a) Their attitude toward other people.
(b) Their various bandages and stitches.
(c) Their demeanor of illness.
(d) Their white hospital gowns.

3. What did Sacks feel as he was being admitted to the hospital?
(a) That he was finally reaching a place of hope.
(b) That he was approaching the gallows.
(c) That he was losing his humanity and individuality.
(d) That he was reaching the purity of non-being.

4. In order to escape being caught on the mountain all night, what was the latest possible time Sacks could reach help?
(a) Ten o'clock PM.
(b) Six o'clock PM.
(c) Eight o'clock PM.
(d) Nine o'clock PM.

5. While in limbo, what feeling did Sacks have to allow, which he first found humiliating?
(a) Activity.
(b) Passivity.
(c) Inerrancy.
(d) Inadequacy.

Short Answer Questions

1. Sacks references a chapter in Luria's book The Man with a Shattered World that profoundly affected his thoughts about recovery. What was the name of this chapter?

2. What question did Sacks want to ask the surgeon before surgery?

3. What analogy does Sacks use to describe his left leg's failure during therapy?

4. How did Sacks splint his leg?

5. What two sounds was Sacks caught between?

(see the answer key)

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