How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I grew up and I found my purpose and it was to become a physician. (P.14)
Marion sees his profession as his entire reason for being. It's not surprising that he would be interested in medicine, having been raised in a hospital by doctors, but the use of the word "purpose" gives his chosen profession a nobler aura, as though he were called by a supernatural power to develop medical skills.
Quote #2
I chose the specialty of surgery because of Matron, that steady presence during my boyhood and adolescence. "What is the hardest thing you can possibly do?" she said when I went to her for advice on the darkest day of the first half of my life. (P.15)
Can you identify with Marion's desire to do the most difficult thing possible? Some people might cruise along, taking the path of least resistance or just letting the universe show them the way. Marion seems to believe that he is purifying himself by choosing a difficult career path.
Quote #3
"Because, Marion, you are an instrument of God. Don't leave the instrument sitting in its case, my son. Play! Leave no part of your instrument unexplored. Why settle for 'Three Blind Mice' when you can play the 'Gloria'?" (P.17)
Matron compares the art of surgery to the art of music. The "instrument" she talks about is Marion himself at first: "you are an instrument of God." But then the metaphor shifts, and she seems to be referring to Marion's potential: he should practice and work to improve so that instead of just being mediocre, he can be a great doctor.