Third Act
With mechanisms for expelling physical and psychological catarrh in place, the conditions were now set for Rose, as well as her medical team, to achieve catharsis. As she started to take more care of her physical appearance, she became engaged in life, made friends, developed hobbies and voiced age-appropriate concerns. Throughout the years of accompanying her, the medical professionals had felt distressed when Rose struggled. Now they too experienced relief, as she prevailed.
According to Aristotle, pity and terror are instrumental for the cleansing process on the theatrical stage. (3) Likewise on the medical stage, our patients’ tragedies and triumphs can have a cathartic effect on us. The intensity of doctor-patient relationships varies, for a myriad of reasons, many of them rooted in our own psyche. It is not always easy or intuitive to honestly engage. But once we commit ourselves, shared emotions tie us not only to the other person, but also to our own sense of being human and what it means to be alive. This awareness can purge us of petty concerns and connect us to our own authentic self.
Odysseus managed to return home eventually. Even after 20 years of separation, his wife Penelope takes him back. In spite of the many suitors outside the castle vying to take the reign, he reclaims his kingdom once again. Rose turns 20 this year. As she says, “I have a different sense of being and it feels good”. Like in the Greek tragedies, she can now reclaim herself and blossom.