"All of us walk around naked" is the opening line, and the theme, of this story. Though Borowski is referring to the physical nakedness of the prisoners, his opening line foreshadows the naked brutality and inhumanity contained in the story. The true character of the guards, soldiers and even the prisoners themselves is laid bare. The stark reality portrayed in Borowski's story strips away man's outer shell. The reader soon comes to realize that the soldiers, prisoners and guards are more alike than anyone would care to admit.
The story begins and ends with references to the barracks, which gives the reader a sense that the barracks serve as a refuge, a place to hide from the reality of the camp. Tadeusz himself, near the end of the story, refers to the barracks as a "haven.....
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