Chapters 20 & 21 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 20 is devoted to an incident involving Lisa and introduces Valeria, the head nurse. Lisa one day demands to receive "fresh air" and causes a commotion. Valerie, the head nurse, refuses to allow Lisa to leave the ward but does offer to open her room's window, normally sealed shut behind a safety screen of thick wire. Lisa demands that Valerie personally attend to the task and the head nurse is compliant. The task is somewhat strenuous, and after it is completed, the security screen is locked in place over the now-opened window. Lisa, having obtained her amusement, loses interest in" fresh air" and does not even enter her room. The chapter is notable as it introduces Valerie. She is the day shift, head nurse and her firm, kind and no-nonsense demeanor earns her the respect and eventual friendship of most...