We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Mother Night Chapter 20 Summary

Hangwomen for the Hangmen of Berlin…

  • This chapter is the story of when Campbell found out how Noth died.
  • Campbell is waiting for his turn to get a haircut. To pass the time, he's reading an X-rated magazine.
  • The cover has the title "Hangwomen for the Hangmen of Berlin." False advertising: the cover makes it seem like the article will be about scantily clad women hanging people. It's actually about poor men who hanged an assortment of men and women.
  • That's when Campbell recognizes that one of the hanged men is Noth.
  • Apparently, a group of Polish and Russian imprisoned laborers hanged Noth and the others.
  • The article and photos are provided by Ian Westlake, a POW from England. Westlake goes on to write that Noth was no better and no worse than any other German police chief at the time—but that's not a ringing endorsement.
  • During the hanging, Noth was revived eight times, and died on the ninth go without dignity and with an erection.
  • The next page of the magazine has a naked woman on it.
  • The barber calls to Campbell—he's up.