Short Fiction · Chapter
XVIII: Halloween in Polyandry Hospital explained
The narrator is examined by two diagnosticians, Dr.
What happens
The narrator is examined by two diagnosticians, Dr. Pine and Dr. Gasp, who diagnose him with chronic alfalfa and send him to Polyandry Hospital. He is tattooed in three places, recovers, and stays for Halloween pranks, which include yelling 'Fire!' at a burn victim and sending inappropriate food to patients.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Media and Business
The absurd medical diagnosis and hospital procedures satirize the medical profession and institutional practices.
Alcohol and Escapism
Dr. Gasp's high temperature is attributed to drinking 'heavenly,' hinting at alcohol use as an escape.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Grant
Narrator of the chapter, undergoing medical examination and hospitalization.
Key passages
“Dr. Gasp had 104 degrees, while his partner’s temperature was normal. Dr. Pine explained that Dr. Gasp had been drinking heavenly.”
Dr. Gasp had a fever of 104 degrees, but his partner was normal; Dr. Pine said Gasp had been drinking excessively.
Highlights the satirical tone regarding doctors and alcohol.
“Their diagnosis was chronic alfalfa and they said I must be rushed to a hospital and tattooed.”
They diagnosed me with chronic alfalfa and insisted I be taken to a hospital for tattooing.
Absurd medical diagnosis and treatment.
“The patient in Room 18 had been almost fatally burned in an apartment house fire. A crowd of twenty other patients and nurses gathered outside his door and yelled “Fire!” till he jumped out the window.”
A burn victim in Room 18 was tormented by patients and nurses yelling 'Fire!' until he jumped out the window.
Example of the cruel Halloween pranks.