A Country Doctor Lesson Plan

Why doesn't the doctor stop the groom from assaulting Rosa? What is the significance of his inaction?

Initially, the doctor does not scold the groom because the groom is helping him get to his patient. However, when the groom makes his intentions for Rosa clear, the doctor tells the groom he won't let the groom hurt Rosa, but then the groom claps his hands and the horses whisk the doctor away. The doctor's inaction suggests that he relies more on words than action to define himself and project his authority into the world, which causes him to be overcome by those willing to use their power. The doctor is shown to have malleable morality and principles as well, as he...