Relationships: An Analysis Of Survival In Auschwitz By Primo Levi

Wehazit Mussie
Karen Auerbach
HIST 262
07 April 2023
Primary Source Essay Analysis
One of the most significant aspects of human nature is the ability to maintain and form relationships. Relationships present in various ways whether they be platonic, romantic, or situational. Regardless of the way they are held, relationships are necessary to learn, grow, and survive. The effects of these relationships are depicted through Primo Levi’s riveting memoir Survival in Auschwitz, which recounts his harrowing experience surviving Auschwitz. Levi describes how relationships functioned in a place as abhorrent as Auschwitz where survival was the only goal. Similarly, Samuel Willenberg describes his account of Treblinka and focuses on the relationship

Reducing individuals to numbers, constant hard labor without proper nourishment, and the constant shadow of death lurking at each corner are just some of the ways they achieved this. In these ways, the thought of maintaining any type of relationship seemed to be far-fetched and yet they were maintained. In Willenberg's memoir, he recounts the time when he was giving money to a Doctor who was to purchase arms for a revolt. Unfortunately, they were caught in the act of exchanging goods. As a result, the doctor drank poison to avoid the high possibility of a forced confession and protect others involved. Willenberg was worried that his involvement in the plot would be betrayed by other prisoners but fortunately, it was not. There was a sense of solidarity between the prisoners and it brought Willenberg a sense of achievement. These instances of humanity shown despite constant efforts to diminish it are similar to the various instances of humanity described in Levi’s memoir. Levi’s relationship with Resnyk, a fellow prisoner, shows how humanity was still somewhat alive. Resnick helps Levi with backbreaking tasks and offers words of encouragement. Levi mentions that without Resnyk, he’s not sure he’d be

Inmates would meet to plan and assign roles to ensure that it went smoothly. In these instances, Willenberg touches on how fellow inmates would encourage each other by using words and pats on the back. A sense of camaraderie was formed in these times. It was almost as if inmates were more inclined to show more humanity toward each other since the possibility that they would be able to have somewhat of a normal life after escaping was motivation enough to begin to show it. The thought of having a life outside of what they had known for some time served as a reminder of what could be. The same sense of newfound camaraderie is present in Levi’s memoir, especially toward the end. As many of the officers are abandoning the camp and liberation is near, the relationships formed are more fruitful. Levi, Charles, and Arthur leave the infirmary to look for food and when they return are presented with precious bread as a thank you. This small action is what shows Levi that they are no longer just Häftlings but men with humanity. Over the 10 days, they are in the infirmary looking for food, medicine, and newspapers for the benefit of everyone. Allowing themselves to remember a life outside the camps served as a reminder of who they were outside of this environment and they acted to reflect