The Truce

During the final days in the Lager, Levi befriended a fellow Italian named Cesare. When Cesare was terribly sick, Levi brought him water. They reunite in the Katowice camp and Cesare is a changed man. Not only is his health restored; he is flourishing in the camp. After being made to work by the Russians, he faked an illness so that he would be sent to the infirmary. Following their reunion, Cesare and Levi remain “inseparable until the return journey” (246).

One day, an important Soviet general comes to inspect the camp. Levi and others are made to clean the filthy latrines, which are eventually deemed too filthy and simply condemned. The general does not appear. When April arrives, Levi and his fellow survivors “being to feel [themselves] truly free” (248). Levi explores the neighboring town with Cesare, finding that many shops and cafes are open. Since they have no money, however, they must steal or trick their way through the town. Though such behavior is alien to Levi, Cesare has no shame or guilt. He and another Italian named Giacomantonio buy and sell anything they can to make a profit.