Natasha's Triumph Essay

Recent hunger strikes in Texas prisons have brought to light the inhumane conditions that many US prisoners face on a daily basis. However, this issue is not a new one, as demonstrated by the powerful short story "Natasha's Triumph" by Sara Nomberg-Przytyk. Through its vivid description of a Russian prisoner's defiance in the face of oppression, "Natasha's Triumph" shows the universal struggle of prisoners to maintain their humanity in the face of dehumanizing conditions. Both Natasha and Texan prisoners experience inhumane conditions, leading to protest and defiance. Using literary elements provides a unique medium of understanding to this recent event. Exploring the theme of neglect enables us to grasp the essence of dehumanization, helping

However, the deliberate lack of healthcare access in Auschwitz resulted in thousands of deaths and stands as the ultimate example of public health failures. In “Natasha’s Triumph”, we see the tragic extent to which prisoner health is affected by systemic neglect. Sara Nomberg-Przytyk admits to having “not accept the very sick“ prisoners, rather, she and her fellow nurses “sent them back to the blocks [as they] knew that if he started looking at them he would certainly send them to the ovens” (Nomberg-Przytyk). The “he” Nomberg-Przytyk is referring to is Joseph Mengele, notorious for his crime against humanity. Mengele was the arbiter of who would be sent to their deaths in Auschwitz on top of his “experiments” which consisted of torture. Nomberg-Przytyk sent the prisoners away “with heavy hearts” so as to save their lives. She was faced with the dilemma of sending sick prisoners to certain death or to have them work in grueling conditions. She faced ethical dilemmas in this deliberately awful healthcare system as she turned down these sick inmates, reflecting limited resources and devalued lives. Nomberg-Przytyk's account of Mengele highlights the indifference held by Nazis towards prisoners, revealing abhorrent conditions in which healthcare and human dignity were severely lacking. These abhorrent conditions can be likened to the Texas prison

Natasha’s character exemplifies this bravery. Mengele had a strong psychological grip on everyone in the camp. So much so, that when he was insulted, everyone “turn[ed] to stone” while “pretend[ing] to be very busy [afraid] afraid to look in his direction”. The tension and fear created by Mengele is palpable by the reader. This further emphasizes the bravery shown by Natasha. Natasha's relentless insults towards Josef Mengele showcase her unyielding bravery and defiance in the face of death. She demonstrates such boldness to liken “The Angel of Death” to a ”worm” that must “hide from human revenge” (Sara Nomberg-Przytyk). Such boldness inspires courage and emphasizes the importance of standing against injustice. This unyielding courage displayed by Natasha in the face of atrocities can be extrapolated to the hunger strike undertaken by Texas prisoners, as they too demonstrate remarkable bravery and determination in their pursuit of justice. The “scores of Texas prisoners have entered the second week of a hunger strike” (Pilkington). The hunger strike by Texas prisoners represents their courageous pursuit of justice and freedom. By sacrificing their basic needs, they draw attention to the harsh conditions endured in solitary confinement, demanding recognition of their humanity. They confront the issue of solitary confinement – “a form of incarceration in the US that human rights groups have denounced