Analysis

Louie’s escape plan is nothing more than wishful thinking, but for a short time at least it does bring hope. Planning escape is a means for the men to feel a little bit human again, a way for them to reclaim, ever so slightly, control over their own lives—a right of fundamental human dignity. Although the plan ultimately fails, it is an important survival tactic nonetheless.

Additionally, Hillenbrand imbues this period at Ofuna with an abundance of evidence that once again reinforces her goals of presenting an accurate portrayal of the circumstances of WWII. Specific names and dates are littered throughout this chapter, along with clear-eyed testimonials to specific abuses that occur in the POW camp. Hillenbrand wants to emphasize that what she’s written is a true story, that readers can verify the factualness of what she writes.