Analysis

In remote Naoetsu, Louie’s flickering hopes of freedom are quickly extinguished. Singling out Louie, The Bird continues a systematic dehumanization designed to degrade and destroy the former Olympian. He attacks Louie’s body (with torture and physical injuries), Louie’s mind (with unpredictable punishments and overt delight at Roosevelt’s death), and Louie’s spirit (with soul-crushing labors like cleaning out the pig stalls barehanded).

This is the darkest time of Louie’s life, a time when he truly is lost, without hope. If he’s going to die, Naoetsu is where it will be.