The Optimist's Daughter

The Optimist's Daughter Summary | Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Judge McKelva, his daughter, Laurel McKelva Hand, and his wife, Fay have been escorted into the office of Dr. Courtland. They had come to New Orleans from Mississippi to see the doctor because the judge had experienced some difficulties with his vision. The judge has known the doctor and his family for years; however, the doctor had never met Fay, who had been married to the judge for only a year and a half.

The judge explained how he noticed that something was wrong. He had been outside pruning the roses and was standing on the porch for a few minutes when he saw the fig tree giving off flashes. Since that time, he had noticed a little dimness but no more flashes. He called Laurel the night before and told her he was going to New Orleans to see the doctor and she flew in from Chicago on an overnight flight. His admission of self-concern was as startling as anything that could possibly be wrong with his health.

After his examination, the doctor proclaimed that the judge's retina had slipped and it needed to be repaired immediately. Fay had a difficult time comprehending what had happened and thought that an operation was a drastic step; couldn't they just let nature take its course. However, the judge wanted this doctor and no other. The doctor told him that there was no absolute guarantee with the surgery but the judge said that he was an optimist and they would proceed. So the surgery was scheduled for the next day and an ambulance was dispatched to pick them up and deliver the three of them to the hospital right away.