The Subplot of the Night in the Guardhouse

Hunger

The protagonist's night in the police guardhouse, his false identity, and his struggle with darkness and madness.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Homeless ReportThe Homeless Report
The Homeless Report The Lost Keys After losing his keys, the protagonist cannot enter his room. He asks a policeman for help, but the police keys are not available. The Suggestion The policeman suggests reporting as homeless. He goes to the guardhouse and gives the name Andreas Tangen, claiming to be a journalist from Morgenbladet. The VIP Cell He is treated with respect and given a cell in the reserved section. He feels like a homeless cabinet minister.
The Darkness and 'Kuboa'The Darkness and 'Kuboa'
The Darkness and 'Kuboa' The Extinguished Gas The gas goes out after ten minutes. The darkness is absolute. He becomes terrified, feeling it as a physical presence. The Invention of 'Kuboa' He imagines he has discovered a new word. He is elated, then tormented by its meaning. He argues with himself about what it should signify. The Raving He becomes frantic, banging on the door, crying, and sweating. He fears he is going insane. He struggles through the night until dawn.
The Morning ReleaseThe Morning Release
The Morning Release The Roll Call In the morning, the homeless are registered. He is called as Andreas Tangen. He is not given a breakfast ticket, and he leaves without revealing his true identity. The Confusion He walks out, dazed and hungry. The night has left him exhausted. He continues his struggle. The Lasting Effect The experience deepens his sense of alienation. He has used a false name, further eroding his identity.
Late night, Part II
After midnight, Part II
Morning, Part II