“The fierce poet of the Middle Ages wrote, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here," over the gates of the lower world. The emancipated poets of to-day have written it over the gates of this world. But if we are to understand the story which follows, we must erase that apocalyptic writing, if only for an hour. We must recreate the faith of our fathers, if only as an artistic atmosphere. If, then, you are a pessimist, in reading this story, forego for a little the pleasures of pessimism. Dream for one mad moment that the grass is green. Unlearn that sinister learning that you think is so clear, deny that deadly knowledge that you think you know. Surrender the very flower of your culture, give up the very jewel of your pride, abandon hopelessness, all ye who enter here.”

“All hope abandon, ye who enter here.”

“Abandon hope, all ye who enter here”

“Written over the gate here are the words 'Leave every hope behind, ye who enter.' Only think what a relief that is! For what is hope? A form of moral responsibility. Here there is no hope, and consequently no duty, no work, nothing to be gained by praying, nothing to be lost by doing what you like. Hell, in short is a place where you have nothing to do but amuse yourself.”

“Before me things created were none, save thingsEternal, and eternal I endure.All hope abandon, ye who enter here.”

“The iron fettering on the gate read "Arbeit Macht Frei"."What do you think that means?" asked a man from behind them in line."Abandon hope all ye who enter here," replied Alexander."No," said Misnoy. "It means, 'Work will set you free,'""Like I was saying."Misnoy laughed. "This must be a Class One camp. For political prisoners. Probably Sachsenhausen. In Buchenwald, the engraving didn't say that. It was for more serious, more permanent offenders.""Like you?""Like me." He smiled pleasantly. "Buchenwald read, 'Jeden das Seine. To Each His Own.'""The Germans are so fucking inspiring," said Alexander.”