As the Jews were running through the snow,
their humanity was completely disregarded by their Nazi shepherds as they were
treated like a herd of animals. Wiesel stated that it was as if their legs were
machines, providing an image of how at this point they were no longer being
acknowledged as fellow human beings, but basically as robots that were to keep
running until told to stop. In contrast, the herders were allowed to stop and
take breaks, further showing how the Jews were not being respected as humans
with limits as the Nazis didn’t even attempt to accomplish what they were
telling others to do. But this also shows how much stronger the will of the
Jews was, as well as Wiesel who was contemplating suicide, as they continued to
fight on through these terrible conditions.
Eric, I agree and it's really sad to see such a disregard for human beings. But at least some continued to have the will power to go on despite the hardships they'd endured. Even as they are fleeing the Nazis continue to enforce their harsh ways despite the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteEric, this whole chapter focused on the running, and it amazed me that so many Jews survived it. I think it does show how strong their will to live was, as it could also show humanities capacity to live.
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