In which Martin Arrowsmith endures the relentless rigours of medical training, observing with keen if weary eyes the varied characters and philosophies that populate his world—from the pragmatic Dean Silva to the showy Dr. Geake, who extols salesmanship as much as science. Between demanding exams, lonely labors, and a raucous Founder’s Day banquet, Martin contemplates his place amidst the earnest striving, humiliations, and fleeting camaraderie of his chosen profession.