In Franz Kafka's "In the Penal Colony," the protagonist grapples with the challenging task of interpreting the written word. The difficulty of deciphering the text reflects the broader themes of understanding and communication within the oppressive environment of the penal colony. The writing itself is a symbol of punishment and suffering, as its complexity mirrors the harsh realities faced by the condemned.

The quote highlights the idea that true understanding comes from experiencing pain. The character who can unravel the obscured writing does so not through intellectual means but through the physical wounds he bears. This underscores the narrative's exploration of knowledge acquired through suffering, suggesting that personal experience is often the most profound way to comprehend the world around us.