In Denis Johnson's "Jesus' Son," a doctor enters a chaotic trauma room and assesses the scene before him. He finds the clerk and an orderly, both inebriated, observing a wounded patient with a knife protruding from his face. The absurdity of the situation is underscored by the doctor's nonchalant inquiry about the trouble at hand.

This moment encapsulates the darkly surreal tone of the narrative, showcasing a blend of clinical detachment and drug-induced disorientation. The juxtaposition of the serious injury and the characters' altered states underscores the book's exploration of addiction and the fragility of life.