Chapter 5: 4) Briefly explain Gene’s visit to the infirmary. How does Finny act? Why? Does this feel “realistic”? How does Gene’s visit impact Finny?

Before even going into the infirmary Gene started crying. He learned that Finny will never be able to play sports again and that he shattered his leg. Dr. Stanpole says "There is no such hope" (page 64) Gene was told that he had to be cheerful for Finny when he entered the infirmary. When Gene entered the room he saw that Finny was lifted a little off the bed and had a cast on his left foot. In the beginning Finny was in a better mood then Gene making many jokes. Gene ask how did Finny fall. Finny said "I just fell" (page 65) Gene looked more shocked then Finny did. Finny had this feeling that Gene did something, but then he apologized for having it. Gene was about to tell Finny what really happened until Dr. Stanpole came in and Gene had to leave.

During the visit when Gene came Finny acted happy. He was making jokes and was in a better mood then Gene was. Finny even says to Gene "You look worse than I do" (page 64). Gene was surprised that Finny could act in such a good mood after his leg had just been shattered. I think Finny acted this way because Finny doesn't know that Gene was the one who jounced the limb on purpose. Finny thought how could he be in a bad mood with Gene here because he never did anything to hurt me. It was just me. I was the one to fall.

I do not think that this is realistic because instead of Gene feeling guilty Finny is the one feeling guilty. Finny says "I'm sorry about the feeling I had" (page 66). As I was reading this I could not believe that Finny was feeling guilty about a thought that he had that was correct. I think the visit Gene made to Finny impacted Finny in a negative way. I think this because it put more guilt on Finny for something he didn't even do.

Why do you think Finny never actually told Gene what the feeling he had was about? Do you think that Finny will try to do something to get back at Gene for what he did? As the rest of the book goes on do you think guilt will impact Genes decisions? Do you think Finny will ever accept the truth that Gene was the one who hurt him?