Chapter 6 "The Work," Summary and Analysis

Levi's bunkmate for several weeks is an unknown Pole, who eventually is sent to Ka-Be; he is then replaced by Resnyk. Levi finds Resnyk to be personable and honest, and, an additional fortune, is that they are assigned to the same work unit. Resnyk has the uncanny ability to avoid heavy work, which is obviously a desirable trait in a workmate. Additionally, Resnyk is willing to perform an undue share of work to assist Levi.

The chapter describes a single day of work in great detail. On the day discussed, the men must move huge sleepers—giant blocks of wood used as railroad crossties. They strain Levi's capacity even to lift, and after about an hour he verges on collapse. Following Resnyk's suggestion, Levi obtains permission to visit the latrine and makes the excursion...