CHAPTER 63
Summary
- The chapter is set in Madras, 1968, at a medical school where the main character, Mariamma, begins her journey in medicine.
- On her first day, they visit the Red Fort, a part of the old city of Madras where the medical school is located.
- Mariamma reflects the contrasts between the presence of the British colonizers during her father's time compared to her own, noting that now the city feels more authentically Indian.
- Upon entering the Red Fort, Mariamma and her classmates encounter two attenders who play a significant role in determining a student's future in the school.
- Mariamma, still mourning the deaths of her grandmother and Baby Mol, feels a sense of comfort in imagining her grandmother's presence guiding her journey in medical school.
- When the students enter the dissection hall, they are confronted by the harsh smells of formaldehyde and their first encounter with a human cadaver.
- They meet Professor P. K. Krishnamurthy, also known as "Gargoylemurthy", a tough and intimidating character who demonstrates their first anatomy lesson on a fellow student known as Chinnah.
- Chinnah is publicly embarrassed by Gargoylemurthy, who uses him as an example to teach anatomical terminologies and reinforces the lesson that "The dead shall inform the living", signifying the importance of dissection in their medical education.
- Later, they are introduced to Dr. Cowper, the first and only Indian HOA, who is more gentle and compassionate than Gargoylemurthy. He teaches the class embryology and sparks awe in Mariamma with his insightful lessons and interactive teaching style.
- The chapter ends with Mariamma and her classmates feeling a blend of awe and humility at their medical journey ahead.