In chapter seven of Dodson’s China Inside Out, the pattern of writing changes quite a bit. While in chapter six, Dodson would use personal accounts to weave in particular issues within China (starting the majority of his sections from that chapter in this way), he changed this a bit in chapter seven. However, in chapter seven, Dodson starts with a personal account of a group of other individuals seeking medical care/help. Eventually, only one person out of the group gets medical help because her ailment (a broken shoulder) far exceeds that of the others, making the other people wait till the next opportunity to try and get medical attention. I would just like to comment on how sad this is; in America (as also stated by Dodson on pg. 138) we truly do take for granted the opportunity to have a doctor see us when ill or in severe pain, but not in China, and that is wrong.
Anyway, in chapter seven, Dodson will take out multiple sections (usually alternating between factual statements and logistics) to discuss a personal account. Personally, I prefer the third person accounts, stated facts, and then personal events to be stated (in that order). I find that a tragic or horrifying story of another individual besides himself can really help to draw the reader in. Following this, I want to know more about why something is the way it is, therefore motivating me to read onto Dodson’s more factual portions. Finally, Dodson throwing in an eye-witness event of journal entry will help to bring closure to the information previously revealed, showing that even someone of his standing can be affected by what is happening in China. When Dodson writes in this way, he is much more successful, and I would prefer it if he keeps it this way for the majority of what is left of the book.
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