Torture is described as an agonizing experience that extends beyond physical pain; it’s an act that diminishes one’s humanity. It renders the victim’s suffering profound, often leading to a prolonged demise filled with despair. This horrific process enables the torturer to strip individuals of their dignity and will, forcing them into a living death as they endure repeated torment.

In "Hostage" by Elie Wiesel, the quote emphasizes the psychological and emotional impact of torture. It highlights the notion that torture is not just about inflicting pain, but about the psychological destruction that accompanies it, ultimately leading to a tragic, slow erosion of the victim's spirit and identity.