Part 2, Chapter 4 Summary

Michael watches the entire trial. Hanna appears isolated from the other defendants, and her serious demeanor appears arrogant. She sits as if frozen and never turns her head. Michael only sees the back of her head and shoulders. During the trial, he sometimes remembers having sex with her, but he is emotionally numb and feels nothing. He wonders why he is so numb. Eventually, however, the horrors of the court testimony leave everyone numb. Michael ponders an appropriate societal reaction to the Nazi atrocities - what can be done, what should be done, and why?

Part 2, Chapter 4 Analysis

Chapter 4 includes a description of the court and how it functions. The chapter also contains Michael's introspection into his past, as he realizes he is so emotionally numb that he feels nothing while watching Hanna stand trial. He wonders why he is so...