Part 2, Chapter 16 Summary

When the trial resumes in Germany Michael privately meets with the judge. He intends to tell the judge that Hanna is illiterate. The judge and Michael make small talk, and Michael then leaves without disclosing Hanna's illiteracy.

Part 2, Chapter 16 Analysis

Michael's actions in this short chapter are interesting. He feels he must do the right thing by disclosing Hanna's illiteracy, but at the crucial moment, he instead listens to the judge talk about enjoying being a judge, and then leaves the meeting without disclosing Hanna's secret.