Metonymy

"They don't know what to say to the whitecoats, they can't make themselves speak up on behalf of their donor." PAGE 208

In this quote, the narrator uses metonymy in referring to the doctors at the centers and hospitals. They are referred to by something closely associated to them, their whitecoats. The metonymy is effective because it is relevant to the scenario to refer to them by what they are wearing. The carer's have not had as much exposure to the outside world so it makes sense that they would not know exactly how to refer to the doctors. Without the use of metonymy, the quote would lose some effectiveness because it would not have the same magnitude. The "whitecoats" adds focus to what the problems the carers are having.
Kathy decides to become Ruth's carer after much contemplation and an encounter with Laura. I think this was a good idea after Kathy found out that Ruth's first donation did not go well and she was having problems with her carers. Even though they may not have parted on good terms, I think it is important that they meet again. Their first few meetings did not go exactly how they would have hoped, but I think it is good that they kept meeting. It eventually got better when they had something new to talk about. I think their relationship will continue to improve as they bond over the boat and their trip to see it.