Summary

The final section of the novel contains a detailed reporting of Otto and Anna's trial in the People's Court. The defendants are brought into the courtroom in preparation for the trial and by mistake are allowed to sit together. Otto notices that Judge Fromm is seated in the visitor's stand. The guards converse among themselves, so no one pays attention as Anna and Otto finally have an opportunity to see each other and talk about their situation. Anna finally feels strong being seated next to Otto. They decide to plead guilty and therefore not allow the court to derive pleasure in holding a lengthy trial. Otto tells Anna about the deaths of Trudel and Karl. In response, Anna says that they too could take their own lives, like Trudel. Otto, however, says that they should not behave like criminals who are fearful...