Chapter 5, Citizenship in the School (pgs. 229-233) Summary and Analysis

Toby accidentally cuts off the ring finger on his left hand at the last joint while in shop. Horseface Greeley and another teacher take Toby to the doctor. On the way, Toby answers all of Greeley's answers, making sure his answers reassure Mr. Greeley that he will not be named in a lawsuit.

Toby gets taken into surgery at the Mount Vernon hospital. Toby has to stay in the hospital for a week as the doctor is worried about infection. He is given morphine for the pain. Toby likes the way morphine keeps him from thinking and worrying. In fact, that is the main reason he takes it. He can handle the physical pain. He prefers temporary relief of the emotional pain. By the time Toby goes home, he...