Final answer:
John Burke is not lazy; he is ill and fatigued, suffering from a mental disability and is taking various medical treatments to address his health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character John Burke from the provided excerpts appears to sit in a chair all day not due to laziness but rather because of his illness and fatigue. He's mentioned as having a mental disability, taking tonics and other treatments for his sickness, such as cod liver oil and rare meat. The emotional state of the characters suggest they are dealing with serious ill health rather than a lack of desire to work. This is further emphasized by references to medical treatment and a decreased physical capability, which is not indicative of laziness.