If This Is a Man

Levi is weak and clumsy, and no one wants to work with him. As a result, he is often paired with Null Achtzehn (Zero 18), a prisoner known by other prisoners only by the last three digits of his entry number because he is regarded as no longer being a man; he “seems empty inside” (42). Zero 18 is apathetic to the point of being dangerous as a work partner because he does not ration his energy, working steadily up until the moment when he can no longer work at all.

A piece of metal falls on Levi’s foot after Zero 18 keeps stepping on his heels, so he attempts admission to Ka-Be, the infirmary. Anyone trying to gain entry into Ka-Be is forced to wait in line naked.

At Ka-Be Levi receives the designation of Arztvormelder (having a medical concern) and goes back to his hut. The next morning, he goes to a corner of the roll-call square with all the others who have been categorized as Arztvormelder for the determination of where he will be sent in Ka-Be. His bowl, spoon, beret, and gloves are taken from him, which is protocol for admittance to Ka-Be. All patients are made to undress outside in the cold, to take two showers, and to go through a second exam after again waiting in line naked.