Final answer:
The intense itch or pain described in the passages is used to convey deep emotional distress or physical discomfort, often as a literary tool to reflect a character's extreme conditions and to evoke empathy from the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "GAWANDE why was itch so intense?" likely refers to a description or narrative provided by author Atul Gawande. The intense itch described in various texts, often referring to physical pain or discomfort, can be attributed to several factors, such as psychological responses to extreme stress, the brain's reaction to sensory input, or an individual's mental state during high levels of anxiety or fear. In the provided texts, the intensity of sensations could be a way for authors to convey deep emotional or physical experiences—using it as a metaphor or to depict a character's extreme condition.
Pain, in the context of these excerpts, is not merely a physical sensation, but also includes an intense emotional experience. The vivid descriptions demonstrate how the characters respond to their mental and physical agonies in ways that amplify their distress. The body's reaction to extreme stimuli, as seen in the burning of flesh or relentless interrogation, is meant to evoke a profound sense of empathy from the reader and a deeper understanding of the human condition when under duress.