The central theme of this text is the dehumanizing effects of cruelty and bureaucracy.
The cruel people who taunt the protagonist are shown to be indifferent to his suffering. The protagonist's experiences with society cause him to question whether humans are truly capable of kindness.
The bureaucratic nature of official duties leads to people treating their colleagues with coldness and efficiency, rather than compassion. The protagonist's strange actions suggest that he has been so traumatized by his experiences that he has lost touch with his own humanity.
Overall, the text suggests that cruelty and bureaucracy can have a profound and negative impact on the human spirit.
Complete question
Acts of cruelty can lead to a desensitization of individuals, diminishing their capacity for empathy. When people witness or experience cruelty repeatedly, they may become emotionally numb or indifferent to the suffering of others. Victims of cruelty often experience severe psychological trauma, which can result in long-lasting emotional scars. Dehumanizing treatment can strip individuals of their sense of self-worth and contribute to feelings of powerlessness, shame, and isolation.
What is a central theme of this text?
Ignoring the taunting of cruel people is an effective way to deal with their
behavior.
Witnessing man's cruelty to man can cause one to question the humanity of
society.
The bureaucratic nature of official duties causes people to treat their colleagues
in an inhumane fashion.
People who are treated poorly by others often bring such treatment on
themselves through their strange actions.