Written On The Body

The narrator investigates various parts of the body, beginning with the functions of the cell. The narrator explain “mitosis,” a term referring to the process of the multiplication of cells, and note that Louise’s thymus gland is “making too much of herself” (115), that is, overproducing white cells that interfere with the function of the spleen.

The narrator imagines acting as a sentry capable of protecting Louise from these invading cells by crawling inside her body and asking, “Who comes here?” (115). The narrator realizes that Louise must fight these trespassers on her own. 

Next, the narrator reflects on the tissues, which one can see with “the naked eye.” The narrator reminisces about the narrator’s intimate knowledge of Louise’s body, describing her various bodily tissues, including the scars on Louise’s mouth and thighs, as well as the injuries that caused them.

The narrator moves to the cranial cavity and the brain, identifying with an archeologist exploring the mausoleum of Louise’s body. The narrator discusses the impact of age upon the head: flaring nostrils, deepened eye sockets, slackened mouth, and enlarged ears signal that “the body is making way for worms” (119).

The narrator describes Louise’s head in detail, particularly the much-admired “strong front of your forehead and the long crown” (119).