After citing examples of the ubiquitous defense of denial of impending death, the author describes her interviews with dying hospitalized patients. To deal with the psychological needs of patients who are 'beyond medical help', the physician must understand his own fear of death. If he can give hope and convey a nondeserting, silent companionship, it will enable the patient to move more easily—and with dignity—through what Ross describes as the five stages of dying: 1, the stage of shock and denial; 2, the stage of rage and anger; 3, the bargaining stage; 4, the stage of depression; and 5, the stage of final acceptance. Ross presents examples that focus on the importance to dying patients of cathected ego functions and body parts, and of dealing with 'unfinished business'.