The Canto of Ulysses
This chapter tends to be light heartening in its tone of writing, and I think Primo Levi intended to include this chapter to avoid the monotonous tone filled with serious and gloomy tone that had been dominating in previous chapters. This chapter discusses how people like Jean had “immune” well in the environment given, in which, he was able to build relationship with Germans and other people around that would benefit him. This chapter, in fact, had most dialogues throughout the whole book. I guess the dialogues between Pikolo and Primo Levi has great significance. The talk of Levi and Pikolo was nothing serious, rather, it was quite entertaining, but the dialogue itself reopened the mind of Primo Levi about his identity that had been blocked by the physical suffering. In the story, Primo Levi tries to teach Italian to Pikilo by translating the Canto of Ulysses from Divine Comedy. Although, this might mean nothing for ordinary people who could enjoy all the luxurious entertainment, I guess, it would have been special and sweetest dialogue Primo Levi ever had in the concentration camps because the ordinary dialogues that went along the concentration camps were foul languages of SS soldiers shouting in unkown languages. Although Pikolo and Primo also did not understand each others’ languages, it would have been a joy for Primo to try describing Italian as the joyful memory of the past entertainments flashed throughout his head. It was an opportunity for Primo Levi to reveal his true identity. I believe finding the identity of oneself is significant because the identity provides purpose in lives, and this purpose is necessary because it would be a fuel to endure the harsh environment of the concentration camps.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Journal 10
Chemical Examination
In this chapter, Levi describes the process of chemical examinations where only the talented and educated few are chosen to work in a designated area, and they gain special privilege of being free from doing manual labors. I guess this chapter will be a critical turning point of the book as Levi’s lifestyle in the concentration camps will change dramatically. Previous chapters focused on describing how hard the situation was for him to manage and endure all the physical labors that fell unto his laps; however, I guess after this chapter, Levi would have many privileges over other prisoners due to his talent in Chemistry.
In reading this chapter, I had an impression that people in the concentration camps were forced to return to “primitive” way of living. They existed only for their survivals, and they did not have purpose in life because the physical suffering took away the time or even energy for them to think. “I took my degree…I have the definite sensation of not being believed, of not even believing it myself; it is enough to look at my dirty hands…I recognize it, it is the fever of examination, my fever of my examinations, that spontaneous mobilization of all my logical faculties and all my knowledge, which my friends at university so envied me”. This passage was spoken in such a powerful way that it seems I had been inside Levi’s memory for a second. To me, this quote suggested that prisoners in the concentration camps suffered so much that they even lost their ability to think or maybe they wanted to save the energy by not thinking. Thus, these harsh and oppressive conditions forced prisoners to lose their identity; they lost hopes, and the skills they had built in their whole lifetime, and they became plain “animals” who followed their instinct to eat, sleep and live.
Levi put this in humorous yet serious tone; he stated that he had to search through his brain to remember what he had been doing in his whole life. This suggested me how we must never lose our identity. Talents and skills you obtained so well that seems like innate ability you were given are one of many kinds that identify oneself, thus, those should never be forgotten because if Levi lost his skills and talents in Chemistry, he would have to be constantly suffering a severe physical labor.
In this chapter, Levi describes the process of chemical examinations where only the talented and educated few are chosen to work in a designated area, and they gain special privilege of being free from doing manual labors. I guess this chapter will be a critical turning point of the book as Levi’s lifestyle in the concentration camps will change dramatically. Previous chapters focused on describing how hard the situation was for him to manage and endure all the physical labors that fell unto his laps; however, I guess after this chapter, Levi would have many privileges over other prisoners due to his talent in Chemistry.
In reading this chapter, I had an impression that people in the concentration camps were forced to return to “primitive” way of living. They existed only for their survivals, and they did not have purpose in life because the physical suffering took away the time or even energy for them to think. “I took my degree…I have the definite sensation of not being believed, of not even believing it myself; it is enough to look at my dirty hands…I recognize it, it is the fever of examination, my fever of my examinations, that spontaneous mobilization of all my logical faculties and all my knowledge, which my friends at university so envied me”. This passage was spoken in such a powerful way that it seems I had been inside Levi’s memory for a second. To me, this quote suggested that prisoners in the concentration camps suffered so much that they even lost their ability to think or maybe they wanted to save the energy by not thinking. Thus, these harsh and oppressive conditions forced prisoners to lose their identity; they lost hopes, and the skills they had built in their whole lifetime, and they became plain “animals” who followed their instinct to eat, sleep and live.
Levi put this in humorous yet serious tone; he stated that he had to search through his brain to remember what he had been doing in his whole life. This suggested me how we must never lose our identity. Talents and skills you obtained so well that seems like innate ability you were given are one of many kinds that identify oneself, thus, those should never be forgotten because if Levi lost his skills and talents in Chemistry, he would have to be constantly suffering a severe physical labor.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Journal 9
The Drowned and the Saved
In this chapter, Primo Levi discusses the nature of the humans, how people tend to be selfish and greedy when it comes to the matter of survival. In my opinion, there should not be a question of moral or ethics for our greed because we tend to live to gain our own benefit. It is prisoners’ will to survive and withstand in the harsh environment of the concentration camps. As mentioned before, we should not debate whether it was right for prisoners to act selfishly in order to pursue for individuals’ interest rather than collective whole, rather, we should consider those who had led to the desperate situations like this. It is German and Nazi who had confiscated all the property and liberty.
In reading this book, I thought about the Group 4 project, the IB science project that students are working collectively. From that experience, I learned how important it is for us to cooperate with each other and communicate with other field of science to perform experiment and collect reasonable data. For instance, in G4 project, I was accountable for Biology; I had responsibility in researching and collecting data in Biology section, while other students are responsible for the information of their own field. And it is when those collective data and information put together that we could analyze and present our information. I thought about prisoners working together in pursuit of one goal, a goal to have freedom of living. However, the imagination was not really practical because the conditions are so horrible in the camps that prisoners would only pursuit in self-interest they do not have extra space to take care of the others. For instance, if a quarter of bread is left, and your neighborhood is dying, it is likely for people who are full to share the food with the neighbors. However, if you are also in desperate hunger, you will never share with the others. I think this is the nature of our humans that we pursuit only for our self benefit. With this concept in mind, prisoners would never be able to find a common point of negotiation that collective work would never be accomplished. Thus, I shall be thankful for what I have, and that I have opportunity to work with others is huge blessing.
In this chapter, Primo Levi discusses the nature of the humans, how people tend to be selfish and greedy when it comes to the matter of survival. In my opinion, there should not be a question of moral or ethics for our greed because we tend to live to gain our own benefit. It is prisoners’ will to survive and withstand in the harsh environment of the concentration camps. As mentioned before, we should not debate whether it was right for prisoners to act selfishly in order to pursue for individuals’ interest rather than collective whole, rather, we should consider those who had led to the desperate situations like this. It is German and Nazi who had confiscated all the property and liberty.
In reading this book, I thought about the Group 4 project, the IB science project that students are working collectively. From that experience, I learned how important it is for us to cooperate with each other and communicate with other field of science to perform experiment and collect reasonable data. For instance, in G4 project, I was accountable for Biology; I had responsibility in researching and collecting data in Biology section, while other students are responsible for the information of their own field. And it is when those collective data and information put together that we could analyze and present our information. I thought about prisoners working together in pursuit of one goal, a goal to have freedom of living. However, the imagination was not really practical because the conditions are so horrible in the camps that prisoners would only pursuit in self-interest they do not have extra space to take care of the others. For instance, if a quarter of bread is left, and your neighborhood is dying, it is likely for people who are full to share the food with the neighbors. However, if you are also in desperate hunger, you will never share with the others. I think this is the nature of our humans that we pursuit only for our self benefit. With this concept in mind, prisoners would never be able to find a common point of negotiation that collective work would never be accomplished. Thus, I shall be thankful for what I have, and that I have opportunity to work with others is huge blessing.
Jouranl 8
The side of Good and Evil
In this chapter, Primo Levi describes the operation of the black market in the concentration camps. The black market is an economic market that is operating in hidden places in violation of legal price controls, rationing in extraordinary high prices. Thus, the existence of black market is a negative factor in society since it might lead to undesired economic impacts such as inflation affected by the high money spending. However, Primo Levi, describes black market as a way for prisoners in the camps to survive, the black market in the camps are ways for prisoners to trade their shirts, shoes in exchange of their essential foods such as bread. Later Primo Levi left thoughtful quote for the readers. “We now invite the reader to contemplate the possible meaning in the Lager of the words 'good' and 'evil', 'just' and 'unjust'; let everybody judge, on the basis of the picture we have outlined and of the examples given above, how much of our ordinary moral world could survive on this side of the barbed wire.” This quote, in fact, asks the readers whether their act of creating black market was moral or immoral when it comes to the matter of survival. To this, I want to reply that whether the act is just or unjust is not important, rather, we need to take into account of those who had led to the creation of those black markets; the Nazi soldiers. The Nazi soldiers have taken all the property and liberty away from the prisoners, in which, they were in constant hunger and sufferings. Black market was only the response of prisoners against the severe attacks from the Nazi people. Thus, I say that it is not our choice to blame those who had created the black market, rather, blame those who had led to the creation of it. Without the root of the Evil, the Evil would not exist.
In this chapter, Primo Levi describes the operation of the black market in the concentration camps. The black market is an economic market that is operating in hidden places in violation of legal price controls, rationing in extraordinary high prices. Thus, the existence of black market is a negative factor in society since it might lead to undesired economic impacts such as inflation affected by the high money spending. However, Primo Levi, describes black market as a way for prisoners in the camps to survive, the black market in the camps are ways for prisoners to trade their shirts, shoes in exchange of their essential foods such as bread. Later Primo Levi left thoughtful quote for the readers. “We now invite the reader to contemplate the possible meaning in the Lager of the words 'good' and 'evil', 'just' and 'unjust'; let everybody judge, on the basis of the picture we have outlined and of the examples given above, how much of our ordinary moral world could survive on this side of the barbed wire.” This quote, in fact, asks the readers whether their act of creating black market was moral or immoral when it comes to the matter of survival. To this, I want to reply that whether the act is just or unjust is not important, rather, we need to take into account of those who had led to the creation of those black markets; the Nazi soldiers. The Nazi soldiers have taken all the property and liberty away from the prisoners, in which, they were in constant hunger and sufferings. Black market was only the response of prisoners against the severe attacks from the Nazi people. Thus, I say that it is not our choice to blame those who had created the black market, rather, blame those who had led to the creation of it. Without the root of the Evil, the Evil would not exist.
Jouranl 7
A Good Day
In chapter 7, I learned how the perspective of happiness changes according to the situation one is placed in. As for me, the happiest day would be a day without homework and when it is announced that there is no school on Friday. This would be the happiest moment for me; however, this would not mean so much to Primo Levi. To him, from what he perceive as happiness would be totally different from my happiness because he is adapted in the dreadful environment. “The Lager is hunger: we ourselves are hunger, living hunger.” This quote shows how prisoners in the camp take nothing for granted and they are living under constant sufferings. For these reasons, prisoners learned to thank even the most ordinary things that happened to their lives. “…and when even I felt its lukewarmth through my clothes I understood how men can worship the sun.” Primo Levi describes how people gained happiness out of the sun, from the warmth it creates. Furthermore, prisoners in the camps received extra ration of food, and everyone was so happy that Primo Levi named the chapter, “A Good Day.” The happiness of Primo Levi, receiving extra ration of food, and receiving sun light, vise versa, would not mean so much to me, because I am fortunate enough to eat as much as I want and receive warmth not only through sun but also through Air conditioner. However, if I were to be one of the prisoners during the Holocaust, my happiness would be eating extra ration of food and getting enough and comfortable sleep for a day. From these reasons, I believe happiness is more of a subjective emotion because everyone’s happiness if different from one another.
In chapter 7, I learned how the perspective of happiness changes according to the situation one is placed in. As for me, the happiest day would be a day without homework and when it is announced that there is no school on Friday. This would be the happiest moment for me; however, this would not mean so much to Primo Levi. To him, from what he perceive as happiness would be totally different from my happiness because he is adapted in the dreadful environment. “The Lager is hunger: we ourselves are hunger, living hunger.” This quote shows how prisoners in the camp take nothing for granted and they are living under constant sufferings. For these reasons, prisoners learned to thank even the most ordinary things that happened to their lives. “…and when even I felt its lukewarmth through my clothes I understood how men can worship the sun.” Primo Levi describes how people gained happiness out of the sun, from the warmth it creates. Furthermore, prisoners in the camps received extra ration of food, and everyone was so happy that Primo Levi named the chapter, “A Good Day.” The happiness of Primo Levi, receiving extra ration of food, and receiving sun light, vise versa, would not mean so much to me, because I am fortunate enough to eat as much as I want and receive warmth not only through sun but also through Air conditioner. However, if I were to be one of the prisoners during the Holocaust, my happiness would be eating extra ration of food and getting enough and comfortable sleep for a day. From these reasons, I believe happiness is more of a subjective emotion because everyone’s happiness if different from one another.
Jouranl 6
The work
Chapter six, as described in pervious chapters, continually discusses the hardship of the prisoners in the concentration camps. How the painful and dreadful days full of works are set for prisoners. I found this chapter quite interesting because it seems to reflect myself a little bit when I am faced with some back breaking tasks. The concept of asking latrines for prisoners, in fact, happens in my life quite often. For instance, when my parents clean the house, they would always open all the windows and doors including my room to clean up. When my parents open my door, it is really hard to ignore them and continue what I am doing. I would either have to help them or do other “natural thing.” The “natural thing” that I found to do to escape the cleaning “session”, I often go to the bathroom and sit there for a while. After I listen for where the vacuum is cleaner is located, if the vacuum cleaner passes my room, I would go back to my room and continue what I was doing. Although it is little embarrassing to write about this in my journal, in Primo Levi’s case, it was essential for the prisoners to develop those kinds of skills to give their bodies a little bit of rest. For instance, when I introduced my way of avoiding hard tasks, the writing was light-hearted and nothing serious. However, when Primo Levi described about his latrines, it was rather serious. “We have the advantage that our latrine is rather far; this permits us, once a day, a slightly longer absence than normal.” This serious tone implies that Primo Levi was not just introducing it to add humor to the book; rather it was one of the essential skills that he developed as strategies for survival. It was quite threatening to realize that what we see as entertainment can be one of the survival strategies in the concentration camps, and this suggests how hard the life was in the camps.
Chapter six, as described in pervious chapters, continually discusses the hardship of the prisoners in the concentration camps. How the painful and dreadful days full of works are set for prisoners. I found this chapter quite interesting because it seems to reflect myself a little bit when I am faced with some back breaking tasks. The concept of asking latrines for prisoners, in fact, happens in my life quite often. For instance, when my parents clean the house, they would always open all the windows and doors including my room to clean up. When my parents open my door, it is really hard to ignore them and continue what I am doing. I would either have to help them or do other “natural thing.” The “natural thing” that I found to do to escape the cleaning “session”, I often go to the bathroom and sit there for a while. After I listen for where the vacuum is cleaner is located, if the vacuum cleaner passes my room, I would go back to my room and continue what I was doing. Although it is little embarrassing to write about this in my journal, in Primo Levi’s case, it was essential for the prisoners to develop those kinds of skills to give their bodies a little bit of rest. For instance, when I introduced my way of avoiding hard tasks, the writing was light-hearted and nothing serious. However, when Primo Levi described about his latrines, it was rather serious. “We have the advantage that our latrine is rather far; this permits us, once a day, a slightly longer absence than normal.” This serious tone implies that Primo Levi was not just introducing it to add humor to the book; rather it was one of the essential skills that he developed as strategies for survival. It was quite threatening to realize that what we see as entertainment can be one of the survival strategies in the concentration camps, and this suggests how hard the life was in the camps.
Jouranl 5
Our Nights
In chapter five, Primo Levi describes the feelings and emotions he had after coming back from restful period. In my opinion, Primo Levi’s experience in Ka-Be might have been emotionally discouraging, because after he had tasted the tenderness of restful periods and free from the worries of being selected, it would be hard to adapt again to the “hell-like” situations outside the Ka-Be. I had similar experience with Primo Levi during my mission trip. For me, Habitat Mission trip not only provided me with an opportunity to serve others, but also a time for me to enjoy personally. The mission trip was relaxing, without the pressure of school works and parents. However, , the first week of my school after returning from the trip went horrible, it was so hard for me to re-adjust to the school environments surrounded by paperwork and the pressure of catching the work up was terrible. For these kinds of reasons, I bet the experience in Ka-Be might have not been so helpful emotional wise, however, in physical sense, it might have been a great rest for his body.
In this chapter, Primo Levi continually mentions how hard the life is in the concentration camps without free will of actions. However, Primo Levi introduces Alberto again in this chapter. Alberto was kind of figure who had a lot of capabilities, along with that, popularity followed. He was a kind of figure who was welcomed even by the German soldiers. This suggested me that in life, acquiring witty and useful capabilities are essentials in life in order to adapt into any kind of environment. This lesson connects with me a lot, especially as the days for me to go to college draws nearer. Although I am attending international school, United States is fairly unfamiliar environment for me, so I need certain capabilities to grab people’s attention and adapt well to the unfamiliar environment, as Alberto did. Thus, I think growing special capabilities to catch people’s attention and interest is a thing for me to consider as it is useful in helping me to adjust into certain environments.
In chapter five, Primo Levi describes the feelings and emotions he had after coming back from restful period. In my opinion, Primo Levi’s experience in Ka-Be might have been emotionally discouraging, because after he had tasted the tenderness of restful periods and free from the worries of being selected, it would be hard to adapt again to the “hell-like” situations outside the Ka-Be. I had similar experience with Primo Levi during my mission trip. For me, Habitat Mission trip not only provided me with an opportunity to serve others, but also a time for me to enjoy personally. The mission trip was relaxing, without the pressure of school works and parents. However, , the first week of my school after returning from the trip went horrible, it was so hard for me to re-adjust to the school environments surrounded by paperwork and the pressure of catching the work up was terrible. For these kinds of reasons, I bet the experience in Ka-Be might have not been so helpful emotional wise, however, in physical sense, it might have been a great rest for his body.
In this chapter, Primo Levi continually mentions how hard the life is in the concentration camps without free will of actions. However, Primo Levi introduces Alberto again in this chapter. Alberto was kind of figure who had a lot of capabilities, along with that, popularity followed. He was a kind of figure who was welcomed even by the German soldiers. This suggested me that in life, acquiring witty and useful capabilities are essentials in life in order to adapt into any kind of environment. This lesson connects with me a lot, especially as the days for me to go to college draws nearer. Although I am attending international school, United States is fairly unfamiliar environment for me, so I need certain capabilities to grab people’s attention and adapt well to the unfamiliar environment, as Alberto did. Thus, I think growing special capabilities to catch people’s attention and interest is a thing for me to consider as it is useful in helping me to adjust into certain environments.
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