In Erik Larson's "In the Garden of Beasts," the atmosphere in Nazi Germany intensifies as midlevel party leaders become increasingly anxious. This growing hysteria reflects their belief that the only way to ensure their safety and security is to imprison anyone they view as a potential threat. This mindset reveals the oppressive and paranoid nature of the regime, where fear drives leaders to take drastic measures to consolidate power.

The implication of such a mentality suggests that trust among leaders is eroding, fostering an environment where imprisonment becomes a tool of survival. Larson's narrative captures the personal and political turmoil that accompanied these events, showing how fear permeated the daily lives of both the rulers and the ruled in this turbulent period.