Chapter summaries Immortality Dana Schwartz

Chapter 12: The Journey to Kew and an Unexpected Physician

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Hazel Sinnett’s trunk arrives from Edinburgh, but her medical bag—containing her father’s tools—is missing. Gaspar escorts her to Kew Palace, where she first sees King George III in a confused, deteriorating state. She then meets the Prince Regent, who is rude, dismissive, and threatening, warning her that failure will mean disgrace. Afterward, Hazel visits the royal infirmary to gather new surgical equipment. There she confronts a tall, blond stranger—Dr. Ferris—who initially mistakes her for a thief. They exchange sharp words, but eventually Dr. Ferris allows her to use surplus instruments. Their tense encounter is interrupted when King George bursts in, delusional, and Dr. Ferris gently leads him away. Hazel leaves the infirmary with a new set of tools, determined to succeed.

Key Events

  • Hazel discovers her medical bag is missing from the trunk.
  • Gaspar escorts Hazel to Kew; they briefly see King George III, who is incoherent.
  • Hazel curtsies to the Prince Regent, who mocks her appearance and threatens her.
  • The Regent warns Hazel she is an “experiment” and will be disgraced if she fails.
  • Hazel explores the well-stocked infirmary and begins gathering tools.
  • Dr. Ferris catches Hazel and accuses her of theft; a tense argument follows.
  • King George III enters the infirmary in a delusional state.
  • Dr. Ferris calms the King and allows Hazel to use surplus equipment.

Character Development

  • Hazel: Shows resilience under pressure; refuses to be intimidated by the Regent’s threats. Her determination to prove herself deepens, and her irritation with Dr. Ferris hints at a budding tension.
  • Gaspar: Reveals anxiety around royalty and fear of failure; his protective care for Hazel becomes more evident.
  • Prince Regent: Portrayed as vain, cruel, and politically powerful; his hostility clarifies the stakes for Hazel.
  • Dr. Ferris: Introduced as competent and calm; his mysterious accent and polite firmness create an immediate dynamic with Hazel.
  • King George III: Appears as a tragic figure, mentally unwell but capable of brief lucidity; his presence underscores themes of illness and compassion.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Power and Gender: The Regent’s dismissal of Hazel as an “ugly little thing” and his condescending tone highlight the gender barriers she faces as a female physician.
  • Mental Illness: King George’s erratic behavior and the staff’s careful handling of him reflect the era’s limited understanding and treatment of mental health.
  • Tools and Craft: The missing medical bag and the subsequent acquisition of new instruments symbolize Hazel’s professional identity and her need to adapt under difficult circumstances.
  • Authority and Defiance: Hazel’s refusal to apologize to Dr. Ferris and her bold stance before the Regent demonstrate her growing resistance to unjust authority.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter establishes the political and personal stakes of Hazel’s mission. The Regent’s threat makes clear that failure is not an option. The introduction of Dr. Ferris creates both a professional rival and a potential romantic interest, adding emotional complexity. The glimpse of King George’s illness foreshadows the challenges of treating the royal family. The infirmary scene affirms Hazel’s competence and her ability to navigate a hostile environment.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. How does the Prince Regent’s treatment of Hazel reflect the social attitudes toward female physicians in the Regency era? The Regent mocks Hazel’s appearance and calls her an “experiment,” implying that a woman doctor is inherently inferior. His belittling language and threats of disgrace reveal the deep prejudice she must overcome to prove her medical abilities.

  2. What does the confrontation between Hazel and Dr. Ferris reveal about both characters? Hazel’s refusal to apologize shows her pride and determination not to be cowed. Dr. Ferris’s eventual concession and offer of surplus tools suggest a fair-mindedness beneath his stern exterior. Their quick tension hints at future conflict or chemistry.

  3. Why is the missing medical bag significant to Hazel’s character arc? The bag belongs to her father and contains her essential tools. Losing it forces Hazel to rebuild her professional kit, symbolizing her separation from home and her need to forge her own path. It also tests her resourcefulness.

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