Between Shades of Gray

by

Ruta Sepetys

Between Shades of Gray: Chapter 26 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Elena translates that ten people will go and bathe at a time. The women undress as the guards ogle at them. A guard gropes Lina’s breast, and it makes her feel sick, dirty, and violated. Elena yells at the guard in Russian and pulls Lina behind Ona, who is still caked in blood from her rushed delivery. The guards scream at Elena to remove the rest of her clothing, and they are marched into the bathhouse.
The scene becomes even more ominous when the women must strip in front of the guards, who could easily assault them if they decided to. Lina is molested by an officer, but their guns and her nakedness don’t allow her to fight back. This scene shows how women were particularly vulnerable during times of war.
Themes
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
Genocide Theme Icon
Women and Mothers Theme Icon