Martin describes the “Three Furies” of his life in Chapter 18 (“The Furies”). He describes how Frustration, Fear, and Loneliness were the primary enemies of his mind and spirit, always threatening to sink him into despair. As Martin explains, “these were the phantoms that trod their blackened path through my mind” (78). Martin’s quintessential Frustration was not his inability to walk, but the fact that he could not communicate in any way. This Frustration often “started her violent lament” (79) in him. He was afraid of being powerless for the rest of his life, which made Fear a powerful force in his life. Loneliness took control of him as he spent hours completely isolated, but now and again he would remember that he did have people who loved him in his life.

In Chapter 19, “Peacock Feathers,” Martin recalls an experience that helped boost his confidence in a significant way. Virna has started working at a health center adjacent to his care center, and after Rodney suggests that Martin could help with computer issues if necessary, Virna summons Martin to help one day. After giving a talk to the health center staff in his computer

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now