The Doctor’s Refusal

The Nose

This flow traces Kovaloff’s hope for a medical repair and the doctor’s refusal to promise what cannot be achieved.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Recovered Object The Recovered Object from "The Nose". The Recovered Object Recognition by Detail Kovaloff identifies the returned nose by a heat-boil on its side.

The Recovered Object from "The Nose". The Recovered Object Recognition by Detail Kovaloff identifies the returned nose by a heat-boil on its side.

The Recovered Object Recognition by Detail Kovaloff identifies the returned nose by a heat-boil on its side. The familiar mark reassures him that the object is truly his. A New Practical Question Once possession is confirmed, he sees that the central problem remains. The nose must somehow be joined back to his face.

Repeated Attempts Repeated Attempts from "The Nose". Repeated Attempts The Nose Will Not Hold Kovaloff tries to place the nose where it belongs, warming it and pressing it against his face.

Repeated Attempts from "The Nose". Repeated Attempts The Nose Will Not Hold Kovaloff tries to place the nose where it belongs, warming it and pressing it against his face.

Repeated Attempts The Nose Will Not Hold Kovaloff tries to place the nose where it belongs, warming it and pressing it against his face. Each effort ends with the feature falling onto the table. Hope Becomes Alarm The failed attempts turn recovery into a second emergency. The owner has the object in hand but cannot restore the bodily connection he expects.

Examination by the Doctor Examination by the Doctor from "The Nose". Examination by the Doctor Clinical Inspection The doctor examines the vacant place with detached gestures and tests its condition.

Examination by the Doctor from "The Nose". Examination by the Doctor Clinical Inspection The doctor examines the vacant place with detached gestures and tests its condition.

Examination by the Doctor Clinical Inspection The doctor examines the vacant place with detached gestures and tests its condition. His procedure lends the episode a brief appearance of ordinary medical practice. A Firm Judgment He concludes that attachment cannot be done safely. The professional examination offers a decision, not an explanation or cure.

Acceptance Prescribed Acceptance Prescribed from "The Nose". Acceptance Prescribed Nature Over Intervention The doctor advises Kovaloff to let nature take its course and wash the place with cold water.

Acceptance Prescribed from "The Nose". Acceptance Prescribed Nature Over Intervention The doctor advises Kovaloff to let nature take its course and wash the place with cold water.

Acceptance Prescribed Nature Over Intervention The doctor advises Kovaloff to let nature take its course and wash the place with cold water. His calm recommendation conflicts with the patient’s urgent need to appear in society. The Body as Commodity He even suggests preserving the nose and proposes buying it. The advice reduces a personal loss to an object that might have market value.

The Patient Refuses Sale The Patient Refuses Sale from "The Nose". The Patient Refuses Sale Rejection of the Offer Kovaloff says he would rather lose the nose again than sell it.

The Patient Refuses Sale from "The Nose". The Patient Refuses Sale Rejection of the Offer Kovaloff says he would rather lose the nose again than sell it.

The Patient Refuses Sale Rejection of the Offer Kovaloff says he would rather lose the nose again than sell it. Despite its separation, he understands it as an essential part of himself rather than merchandise. No Remedy Found The doctor leaves, and Kovaloff remains without a solution. The consultation ends with the difference between professional detachment and personal attachment still unresolved.

Evening of 25 March

Later on 25 March

During the medical consultation

End of the consultation