July, Chapter 9: Armando, Chapter 10: The Committee Summary and Analysis

The chapter begins by considering Armando's mental state. He faces isolation and panic at night. He can watch television during the day but this is still difficult. His doctor, David MacDougall, did not tell him that his condition was probably permanent and is increasingly frustrated with Armando's family, who cannot grasp his condition. Norma McNair and the other nurses were responsible for all of his hygiene. The chapter discusses Mary Coffey's (Armando's occupational therapist) confusion with her assignment to Armando. Belkin discusses Armando's therapy routines and then introduces Cindy Walker, Armando's social worker, a rough woman who is the kind of social worker who is short on emotional comfort but extremely competent. Cindy has great trouble ascertaining Armando's family situation. Armando and his girlfriend Carolyn are not married, although they have...