In Chapter 36 of Mother Night, the protagonist has an intense confrontation with Wirtanen, filled with anger and frustration over how his work has been altered for commercial purposes. He is deeply disheartened by the way his artistic integrity has been undermined, comparing it to how a pig is used entirely, except for its squeals. This metaphor profoundly strikes him, symbolizing how his work, once an expression of his true self, has been reduced to mere utility, leaving him feeling exposed and stripped of his identity. The illustrations, meant to complement his work, have instead distorted and twisted his original sentiment, making what was once deeply personal seem grotesque and exploited. His memories of Helga, once cherished and pure, have now become tainted, used as tools for propaganda and manipulation. His sense of self-worth as an artist is shattered, and he is left grappling with the loss of meaning and authenticity in his creations.

In a vulnerable moment, the protagonist shares his feelings with Wirtanen, explaining how “Resi killed” the essence of his memories, rendering them empty and meaningless. He feels as if his most treasured recollections have been stripped of their original beauty, leaving only the hollow remnants of what once was. This sense of loss is juxtaposed against the story of Bodovskov, another artist whose fate the protagonist reluctantly acknowledges. Bodovskov, who had repurposed the protagonist’s work, had at least lived with some semblance of the original integrity in his art. Unfortunately, his attempt to create something new led to his execution, as his work on the Red Army was seen as too original and rebellious, directly challenging the Party’s ideology. Wirtanen’s recounting of Bodovskov’s downfall serves as a reminder of the dangers of creative expression in an oppressive regime and the steep price that must be paid for originality and independence in the face of authority.

The conversation takes a more urgent turn as Wirtanen informs the protagonist that Jones’ house is on the verge of being raided, urging him to leave immediately for his safety. Wirtanen strongly advises against returning to his flat, warning that the situation there has become increasingly perilous, and the protagonist’s safety is at risk. As the conversation continues, they discuss the grim future awaiting several key figures, including Resi, Kraft, Reverend Jones, and others. Each character’s fate is tied to the actions they have taken, with consequences looming for their affiliations and past decisions. The era’s harsh realities are brought into sharp focus, and the protagonist realizes the peril that lies ahead, not only for himself but also for those involved in his life and work. The discussion emphasizes the extent to which the oppressive regime has permeated every aspect of society, where even the smallest act of rebellion or dissent is met with severe repercussions.

As the chapter closes, the protagonist inquires about the identity of the agent who alerted him to the impending raid, hoping to understand more about the forces at play. However, Wirtanen, maintaining an air of mystery, declines to reveal the agent’s identity, citing the protagonist’s past as a spy as the reason for his silence. This decision leaves the reader with a sense of suspense and uncertainty, as the true nature of alliances and betrayals remains shrouded in ambiguity. The protagonist is left to ponder the complexities of loyalty and trust in a world where deception is rampant, and the consequences of betrayal are dire. The chapter concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the protagonist stands on the edge of an uncertain future, unsure of whom he can trust and what the next move will be in the ever-shifting political landscape. This uncertainty adds to the tension, making the reader question the stability of the protagonist’s situation and the toll that betrayal and espionage take on those caught in their webs.