Dear Elie Wiesel,
The first part of your novel is
emotionally outstanding and leaves me with many questions of how you kept going.
Mentally I cannot even wrap my head around the pain you endured, and yet you
continued through your treacherous journey. The realization of that happening
to anyone is unimaginable; one day living life as a normal routine, then the next
day being abruptly taken from your home to an unknown destination. Prior to
boarding the train you and the others had never “heard that name” Auschwitz (27).
Clearly, to be taken off guard is one item, but what you and all the others
family faced is inconceivable. Aboard the train it was cramped and there was
barely any food. It makes me wonder how much can one person endure? There is
only so much before all faith is lost and you have to give up. Sure, I have
experienced loss and pain, but I have never been surrounded by it 24/7. My
heart sank as you recalled the children entering the flames. I was not even
there and the image became branded in my mind. How does one erase such a
horrific image as that? There is a clear differentiation between living it and
seeing it, some effects a camera does not capture. The fact that not all
emotions are shown by cameras leaves my mind wondering what lies ahead both
visually and emotionally.
Sincerely,
Keriden Harrington
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ReplyDeleteDear Keriden,
ReplyDeleteI am beyond thankful and honored that my story is being shared with your English class. As you had mentioned, the Holocaust was difficult to grasp, especially at a young age. Although it was the worst years of my life, this time truly features the triumph of the human spirit. We humans are capable of so much more then imaginable. If I were to take something from this destructive journey, it would be to never under estimate one’s self. The power that one can gather mentally and physically is crazy. Throughout my time at Auschwitz I questioned survival numerous times. However, I did survive and now want to celebrate the human spirit while make sure others recognize that evil can be destroyed. Although Hitler was capable of obtaining so much political power, my mentally and religious power allowed me to survive the Holocaust.
You also spoke of the description of the children entering the fire. I have told myself to try and forget the images but to always remember the feeling. These feelings send cold shivers down my spine leaving me numb and sick to my stomach. I don’t want someone to ever go through the experience I was forced too. These feelings leave one disheartened and I hope everyone can live cheerful lives. So, I use the feeling as motivation to spread peace. A peaceful world is a happy world!
I hope you are inspired by my memoir and learn about humanity’s flaws and strengths.
Peace,
Elie Wiesel