" we rise above Bernard Skelley by working the case," said Jesse in a barley controlled voice. "we don't have to like him in order to work the case. there's no way i could ever like some one like that and i sure as hell wont pretend otherwise. i cant believe it, doc! ten years ago you told me that i was going to explode if i didn't let my emotions out, and now you're saying that I'm too goddamn emotional. i wish you shrinks would make up your minds"(Vea,63)
"your pendulum," said the doctor with a sign, "has got to swing to the middle, Jesse. ten years ago you barely spoke to anyone. you never smiled. you were almost as hateful as Bernard. this is not Vietnam, Jesse. life is not a war."

this passage is important because we get details of how Jesse use to be and who helped him. and now we know that he went to war and something happen that disturb his mind. by knowing that Jesse participated in the Vietnam war, we can tell that he is important character and will pay an important role though out the book.

questions:
1) if jesse hates Bernard so much then why is he helping him? why is he trying so hard to get help out of jail?
2) is bernard guilty? if he is then why is jesse trying to get him out of jail?