Analysis

Unexpected hope arrives at Naoetsu in the form of 400 sick, emaciated men, POWs transferred from other camps. The news that Germany has fallen to Allied forces means that it’s only a matter of time before Japan falls as well. The great hope of an American victory also brings with it great fear: Will the impending doom of Japan mean freedom for the captives? Or will it mean death for the POWs under the standing “kill-all” order that’s in force in Japanese camps?

America’s victory over Germany and aerial power over Japan is offset by the absolute helplessness Louie experiences at the hands of The Bird in Naoetsu. In spite of the obvious signs of his coming demise, The Bird tightens his grip on his captives, delivering imaginatively sadistic abuse, such as making every prisoner punch Louie in the face as punishment for another man’s theft of a fish. Truly, The Bird is Louie’s personal devil.