Part I, Chapter 42, A Fire in Prison Summary and Analysis

In Part I, Chapter 42, a fire breaks out in the prison, and the prisoners begin to suffocate from the smoke that penetrates the cell blocks. The guards refuse to open up any sources of air. Ginzburg cam hear the boots of soldiers rushing around on the roof. Believing they are about to die, Julia and Ginzburg eat bread and a pound of sugar they have purchased from the prison store. Julia and Ginzburg are at last put outside for an hour and-a-half while the fire is contained. Nevertheless, they see no other prisoners. Ginzburg wonders where the other prisoners were put.

The disdain and unconcern for the prisoners by the wardens is on full display during the fire episode. Prisoners are suffocating to death in their cells, but the...