Part 2: Chapters 11 and 12 Summary and Analysis

Toward the end of November, male and female German SS soldiers arrive at the complex and enter the housing quarters. The girls are lined up outside and are called into the building alphabetically. In tears, Ilse is called in before Gerda—both girls are terrified. Gerda is among the last to be called in. She is forced to undress and appear before the group of soldiers. She is given a number—895A—then dismissed and told to dress and return to her bunk. Ilse is there and the girls are glad to see one another. The rumor is that they will be used to satisfy the sexual desires of German soldiers. Gerda says she would rather go to Auschwitz. She trades a pendant she has hidden in her coat's hem for some poison for...