One way this theme is formed is at the beginning of the book when Joana, a young woman with medical training, and her escape …show more content…
As they walk in the barn, Joana, because of her medical training, could already recognize that Florian had a fever. Joana offered Florian treatment, but he did not accept her offer for he was on a mission and was supposed to keep moving. However, Florian did reconsider and did ask for her medical help. Joana discovered that he had shrapnel in his side form an explosion, that had gone deep in his side, which was causing an infection. She was able to remove the shrapnel and clean the wound, and Florian became thankful. During this horrible war when people are constantly obtaining injuries, this was the onset of their special bond that is repeated throughout the book. From this kind gesture of Joana, this relationship later was visible after the ship, Wilhelm Gustloff, sank. While they were sitting in the lifeboat a German Torpedo boat rescued them. When Joana and Florian were climbing the net to get to the deck of the vessel Joana slipped and accidentally hit Florian causing him to fall into the extremely cold water. When she realized Florian had fell she states, “Florian!” I screamed. I tried to climb over the side.” It is obvious from the way Joana reacted that Florian and her became so close through their long journey, and it all started from Joana’s treatment on Florian’s