The Low Ebb of The Orderly
In some ways, this is a difficult story to comment upon in a chronological way, as interestingly outlined by Virgil and Janine, some of the action is out of sequence. However, without yet referring to the physical state the orderly finds himself in, I wonder whether the psychological drama is the only issue, or rather, whether it can be isolated from mans instinct for self-preservation. Here we see a man, normally stoic and uncomplaining in character, who is unwell and in pain both physically and mentally, although Lawrence does not yet give us any inkling of his mental state - other than to suggest that he is exercising enormous self-control in order to deal with some physical trauma, the cause as yet unexplained. Added to that is the heat, so vividly portrayed by the words white and hot in the same sentence and by the passage outlined by Janine. The story starts out with an atmosphere of despair, and we get the feeling that ,indeed, there will be no let-up!! From a womans point of view, feelings of deep concern are evoked and empathy with the character is established from the first lines. But then , Lawrence was ever able to commune at a deep level, with women ! :bawling: