: There is technically enough food for everyone if each person eats only what they need. However, those at the top gorge themselves out of greed and fear, leaving those below to starve.

: Goreng’s first cellmate represents the "survival of the fittest" mindset. He views the system as unchangeable and treats those below with contempt simply because he can.

The ending is intentionally ambiguous. Goreng descends to Level 333, finds a child, and sends her up on the platform while he remains in the dark.