In the Penal Colony

“Moreover, the condemned man had the stare of a well-trained dog so that it seemed that you could just as well set him loose and it would only be necessary to whistle at the start of the execution: he’d come at a trot.”

The use of animal imagery for the prisoner’s character portrayal shows his less-than-human status in the penal colony. He is described as an uncivilized, uneducated “brute” who is not only enchained physically but also psychologically. He has been programmed so that he can never escape the chains of oppression.

“‘[B]ut they’re a sign of our homeland, we don’t want to forget our homeland […] Now, just have a look at this apparatus’ he added right away.”

These lines show the officer’s adherence to the old ways. He represents conformity and tradition. Even though the traveler points out the impracticality of wearing such a heavy uniform in the tropics, the officer is quick to defend it by regarding it as a “sign of [his] homeland” that he does not want to forget. Directing the traveler’s attention to the apparatus also indicates his efforts to make others appreciate tradition.

“This made it all the more remarkable that the prisoner was actually making every effort to follow the officer’s explanations. With a certain sort of sleepy tenacity he would always direct his gaze upon whatever it was at which the officer was pointing.”

The prisoner does not speak or understand French, the language being used by the officer and the traveler. However, his status requires him to be attentive in front of them. Even though he is tired, his gaze obeys and obediently follows the officer’s explanations and gestures. His duty to attend a language he doesn’t understand highlights his oppressed status.