Riceyman Steps · Chapter
VII: Malaria explained
Elsie is overwhelmed caring for both Henry and Joe, who has secretly arrived ill with malaria.
What happens
Elsie is overwhelmed caring for both Henry and Joe, who has secretly arrived ill with malaria. Dr. Raste diagnoses Joe and advises treatment, while Elsie resolves to manage both patients alone despite the immense burden.
Themes in this chapter
Illness and Mortality
The chapter centers on Joe's malaria and Henry's illness, highlighting the physical suffering and the constant threat of death. Elsie's caregiving underscores the fragility of life.
Service and Sacrifice
Elsie's willingness to care for two ill men alone, despite her own limited resources and the doctor's indifference, exemplifies selfless service and personal sacrifice.
Class and Social Mobility
Dr. Raste's dismissive treatment of Joe and Elsie reflects class biases in healthcare, where the poor receive less attention and care than the wealthy.
Characters to notice
- Elsie
Elsie is the primary caregiver, managing the shop and house while nursing both Henry and Joe. She shows remarkable resilience and practical philosophy, accepting her daunting situation without complaint.
- Joe
Joe is revealed to be secretly staying in the house, suffering from malaria contracted in France. He is bedridden, feverish, and dependent on Elsie's care.
- Dr. Raste
Dr. Raste diagnoses Joe with malaria, prescribes quinine and liquid diet, and shows a grudging respect for Elsie's fortitude. He is initially prejudiced against Joe for leaving his service.
- Henry Earlforward
Henry is also ill and bedridden, though not the focus of this chapter. His condition is serious enough that Dr. Raste suggests another doctor might help.
Key passages
““It’s malaria,” said the doctor in a casual tone, after he had gone through the routine of examination. “Temperature, of course. He’ll be better in a few days.””
Dr. Raste casually diagnoses Joe with malaria, noting his fever and predicting a quick recovery.
The doctor's offhand manner contrasts with the seriousness of the illness, reflecting his professional detachment.
““I think I can manage him here, sir,” she smiled. But it was a reserved smile, which said: “I have my own ideas about this matter and I don’t swallow all I hear.””
Elsie politely insists she can care for Joe at home, though her smile hides her private doubts about the doctor's advice.
Elsie's quiet determination and skepticism about medical authority are evident here.
“She did not argue about them, complain about them, nor expatiate upon their enormity. She was ready to go on living and working without any fuss from one almost impossible moment to the next.”
Elsie accepts her overwhelming situation without complaint, simply continuing to work through each difficult moment.
This passage highlights Elsie's stoic resilience and practical philosophy in the face of adversity.