Reader Response #2 (P.47-84)
Although the second portion of the text is still gruesome, it is definitely seems as if life has improved since last camp that Elie and his father were living at. The leaders at this work camp seem to be much more civilized. I was quickly reminded of the dangers that these Jews still had to endure. Most of the time these poor “prisoners” didn’t do anything wrong, but had to face severe punishment. Something that completely shocked me was when his father was beaten for not being a sufficient worker. Wiesel was forced to watch his father be abused in front of his very eyes. He was actually upset at his father. He expresses his opinion, "if I felt anger at that moment, it was not directed at the Kapo but at my father. Why couldn't he have avoided Idek's wrath? That was what life in concentration camp had made of me..." (45). This is impossible; how can he be angry at his innocent father? Clearly he is so out of touch with ordinary life and society that he isn't thinking straight. These feelings are not normal; they have been forced upon him during his time at the concentration camps. If he feels like this now, how will real tragedy strike him? I think that when he has to hear about deaths of his friends, he will be heartbroken. This wall must be a defense mechanism. It makes sense because he would probably be a terrible mental state if he cringed every time that he saw a fellow Jew being mistreated. However, it is his father. How is he so calm?
While reading on, one quote reminded me of an opinion that I had mentioned in my first response. I had talked about how there had to be some optimism present in these Jews. They had to have some motivation in order to live every day. If I had heard explosions, I would be terrified. These booming sounds are cries of hope to the Jews. Wiesel explains, "Every bomb that hit filled us with joy, gave us renewed confidence" (60). With the attacks, it made everything seem possible. Maybe they would be saved. This quote is so strong and at the time of the Holocaust shows that this would end. Even though there was a risk of some of the Jews getting injured during the bombings, it was the closest chance that they had to escaping the misery. It was one of the few times where many were overcome with happiness.
While reading through your post I found that you and I were confused about many of the same things as we were reading through this section of Night. When I get as confused as I did about these things (or anything really) I spend every extra moment trying to work out the hows and whys in my head or else I feel I'll never understand it. After reading the section about Elizer's father being beaten and Elizer standing idly by as his flesh and blood was beaten to the ground, I had to stop to think. It didn't take me long to jump to abuse. I know many people who have been abused or witnessed abuse and in many of these cases, the people involved or even just watching tend to totally turn of their minds as it were to avoid the emotional pain that comes with it. I've never done research on the subject, but in my experience that's how it seems to be and I hope it helped you out.
ReplyDeleteAs for the bombs, I can see why they were happy about it even though it threatened their lives as well, for even though a bomb could be dropped too close and take lives, it also meant that there was a chance for them to be rescued and returned to a normal life away from beatings and harsh work and Nazi soldiers.