Cather says that Rosicky especially wants Polly to hear the story of the Lifschnitz's Christmas goose. Why might Rosicky want that, and what is the function of the anecdote in Cather's story?

What is the effect of opening the story with Rosicky's diagnosis? How does the knowledge that he is likely going to die influence our reading of the story's events?

Why do you think Cather chooses to both begin and end the story with Doctor Burleigh? What does his character add to "Neighbour Rosicky"?