In the start of the story, it is obvious that the hero permits herself to be second rate compared to John. “John is pragmatic in the limit. He has no tolerance with confidence, an exceptional repulsiveness of odd notion, and he jeers transparently at any discussion of things not to be felt and seen and put down in figures.” (Perkins P. 687). John directs orders as a doctor, for her to remain in bed, not to dive into her imagination, and cease her compositions. “So I take phosphates and phosphites-whichever it is, and tonics, and excursions, and air, and work out, and am totally taboo to ‘work’ until I am well once more.