Elie has internalized the rules of the camp, the first of which is, do not attract attention to yourself. This incident occurs after brief orientation to life at Auschwitz, where an SS officer has explained that they each have a choice, Work or the chimney! In such a place, where brutality is the only constant, Elie learns quickly that any attachment, even to his father, can make himself a target. He is ashamed, but also filled with a burning rage: I shall never forgive them for this.