Re: Digest for dhs-ap-literature-class@googlegroups.com - 2 updates in 2 topics
Gabriella Choe
In Abraham Verghese’s novel readers are not introduced to the meaning of the title until part three, which begins with a quote from the Hippocratic Oath stating, “I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave the operation to be performed by practitioners, specialist in this art…” (221).The literal meaning of the phrase “cutting for stone” is to not take a risk for an action that you are not specialized for, instead allow those who practice exclusively in the action. However I believe readers are introduced to the many different faces of this phrase throughout the entire book, beginning with part one.
Part one features the twins birth and because Missing’s obstetrician, Hema, was five hundred miles away and the other general surgeon, Ghosh, was unattainable the act of “cutting for stone” was forced onto Dr. Stone. Dr. Stone was out of his speciality, and let his emotions get the best of him, instead of focusing on being precise and calculated he rushed into all procedures with his only goal being to save Sister Praise. His rash medical decisions and inexperience along with Sister Praise’s birthing difficulties created a deadly cocktail. “Cutting for stone” in part one functions as a warning to the twins.
Part Two features “cutting for stone” acquiring a frantic and frenzied meaning as Missing’s Hospital employees are thrown into a dramatically different dynamic. Dr. Stone and Sister Praise are gone, taking with them the extremely valued efficient surgical team, and leaving two unclaimed children. “Cutting for stone” pressures Hema and Ghosh into the unventured territory of parenthood and new medical practices. “Well you can tell Matron that I’ll start doing hysterectomies and other elective surgery again. And it’s time you learned some gynecologic surgery, something other than just C-sections.” (218). With Dr.Stone’s departure Ghosh is made head surgeon and feels the direct desperate pressure of “cutting for stone” as he is asked continuously to perform surgeries he had always pardoned to Dr. Stone, “Ghosh was an internal medicine specialist through and through...He could diagnose common surgical conditions, but he wasn’t trained to fix them in the operating theater” (175).
Part Three introduces “cutting for stone” in its original form, however it adapts a new meaning, one outside of the medical field. With the Ethiopian revolution Ghosh is arrested for actions in conjunction with several known rebels despite never being directly involved with the rebellion. Ghosh’s absence forces Marion and Shiva into adulthood now they must take care of Hema and remain strong while waiting patiently for his return. “Cutting for stone” in part three develops the meaning of growth as part three centers around Marion and Shiva’s childhood and the events that would alter their lives and trail behind them.
Cutting for Stone follows Marion and Shiva Praise from birth to death and throughout each struggle
and new path the term “cutting for stone” reflects these stages, adopting new meaning as time continues.
Group: http://groups.google.com/group/dhs-ap-literature-class/topics
- Cutting of Stone discussion question #2 [1 Update]
- Cutting for Stone Discussion Question #3 [1 Update]
Jed Miller <jed...@gmail.com> Aug 04 11:24AM -0700
Last one: due by midnight of August 11
Discuss the different meanings of the phrase "cutting for stone". Consider how these different meanings help to develop a theme throughout the book.
Jed Miller <jed...@gmail.com> Aug 04 11:20AM -0700
Last one: Due by midnight on August 11
Discuss the different meanings of the phrase "Cutting for Stone". Consider how these different meanings help develop a theme throughout the book.