The Pox Party p. 309-353

Octavian spend a significant amount of time in this last section reflecting on the concept of existence. He begins this train of thought when he is bound so thoroughly in chains and a mask that he cannot move and is left alone in a dark room. He did not move for so long that he became numb to all feeling. The floor, his chains, his own body: all seemed to exist in a different way than before. Octavian described it as "substance returned to its original unity." He seemed to feel his own existence as one and the same as the existence of other matter around him. This emphasizes his feeling, which has grown throughout the novel, that he is not his own person. He exists, but is not independent and under his own control.
As the story progresses to the end of the novel, Octavian's thoughts turn from simply existing to the idea of existing in a state of freedom. Situations that had seemed like punishment before, such as standing in place and holding stacks of books, began to seem like freedom from his new perspective. This really shows how objective the concept of freedom is. At this point in the novel, Octavian longed only to be able to move and stretch his arms out wide.
In Octavian's final interactions with Mr. Sharpe, he has an intense discussion about liberty and what that word actually entails. Mr. Sharpe claims to believe in liberty and freedom but not in its importance over other costs. He is unwilling to make sacrifices in order to provide freedom, even though he still claims to be a proponent. Octavian rightly argues that this is hipocrisy. This final argument between the two envelopes the entire reason that Octavian and Mr. Sharpe are so different. Octavian believes in human rights, freedoms, and liberties. Mr. Sharpe may claim to believe in these things, but he certainly does not act upon these beliefs because he is unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices. Mr. Sharpe is willing to make sacrifices and excuses for his studies but not for the basic rights of human beings under his power.