Character Analysis: The Cage

Character’s in The Cage have faced many difficult challenges and choices not only against the Germans but against themselves. Many decisions were based on logic and choices that benefited both friends and family as well as the person themselves. However some decisions were made because their was no other choice, it was a choice of survival. Choices needed to be made about staying in Poland or going to the labour camps, overcoming physical challenges, and making decisions on how to save your family.

Yulek’s name was on the deportation list, and he made a choice to go to the camps with his sister Faygele. He made this choice based on logic, he knew his ill and weak sister wouldn’t last very long hiding in a cellar.“She is too weak, too delicate

When the doctor told her the cure he couldn’t give her, the cure included vitamins. I think Moishe told Riva’s brothers what the doctor had said about her having vitamin deficiency, and tried to come up with a solution. “ They are called Vigantol. We waited a long a long time for them to be smuggled into the ghetto. We were lucky; they are impossible to get. Please don’t be mad. We love you. We need you” (Sender 52). They hoped that by giving her vitamins, Riva could be cured. They gave up one weeks food to cure their sister because family was very important to them. This choice also benefited not only Riva but her family as well, soon enough by “ Holding on to the walls and furniture, I start to move about in the house”( Sender 53). Once Riva was able to move she was able to go to work. If I had a sibling going through the same problem, I would give up anything to help

When Motele helped some men steal wood from an old shed, the police questioned him and he didn’t reveal the names of the other men. At the sight of the police and the thought of being deported as a punishment for his crimes, he could have saved himself by revealing the other mens identities. However his strong beliefs stopped him. Motele didn’t even want Riva involved, because he knew they would be caught. He said “ I had to do it. They may call it stealing. Call it helping my family survive. Everyday counts. Remember no matter what happens, you do not know anything about this wood. Promise” (Sender 84). If I were in his situation, I don’t know if I would have stolen the wood in the first place, I would have first try to find another way to save my family. However if this was the only way to keep my family alive, I would steal wood and take full responsibility for it. My decisions would be guided by my Religion and understanding why the other’s stole the wood. All religions are about peace, and doing the right thing. If I did something wrong I should take full responsibility, I wouldn’t be following my religion if I went against something I should be doing. The people who stole the wood, stole for the same reason. To help their family. I wouldn’t want someone getting me involved either with the