“For a moment, I was young again. It was like love.”
Thomsen, who is madly in love with his boss's wife, Hannah, says the comment in the quote. Hannah is a mother of three daughters but is still gorgeous and in good shape, that a few men can ignore. However, Thomsen is ready to do everything to win Hannah's heart and decides to pursue her secretly. For Thomsen, seeing a beautiful woman like Hannah makes him feel young and energized.
“By the way, your chances, brother, are non-existent. Where, for instance? She is far too conspicuous. And you be careful. The Old Boozer maybe Old Boozer, but he's is also our Commandant."
Boris demonstrates true friendship when he tells Thomsen he is walking on dangerous waters if he continues to eye the Commandant's wife. According to Boris, Thomsen attempts to jump from a fire to a frying pan. Thomsen wants to have an affair with Hannah, Doll's wife. Boris calls Doll "Old Boozer" because of his advancing age. However, Doll is still the Commandant in the camp, and he has the authority to smash Thomsen when he discovers he is secretly seeing his wife. Therefore, Boris is truthful when he tells Thomsen to watch his steps.
“Ah, What’s the matter, dearest sweeting? Have those naughty little girls been playing you up? Has Bronislawa again fallen short? Are you precious poppies refusing to flower? Dear oh dear – why, that’s almost too tragic to bear.”
Despite Doll being a Commandant in the camp, when he gets at home, he becomes a humble family man. Whenever he gets home, Doll inquires about the whereabouts of his dear wife. Readers realize that although Doll is one of the most feared men in the camp, he is romantic, caring, and concerned. Doll's ultimate goal is to make his wife know that he is there for her and will do anything to support her in achieving her goals.
