Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi Analysis Essay Example

Survival in Auschwitz, by Primo Levi, is a memoir of his struggles with humanity and self reflection throughout his time in the death camp, Auschwitz. Also known by the title If This Is A Man, the book goes into detail about how Levi was captured as a partisan, sent to the camps, and fought to survive. Levi takes a very analytical approach to describing his story and writes almost as if he is writing a scientific report as opposed to an emotional memoir. He describes his life as a rational humanist. This book is a five out of five stars and works to bear witness and emphasize how important luck is in surviving the Holocaust. 

Levi goes into depth about his struggle in the concentration camp, Auschwitz, and describes the horrific treatment of the Jews at the hands of the Nazis. He was initially captured as a partisan in Italy, however, after he was discovered to be Jewish in the initial detention camp, he was sent to Auschwitz. Levi gives a logical and almost scientific description of the atrocities that occurred during his time in Auschwitz. Important themes of humanity and luck arise through Levi’s writing and he emphasizes the struggle of recognizing and accepting oneself during these extreme conditions. 

Survival In Auschwitz is a very important and interesting account of the Holocaust. The style of writing makes it easy to read by giving the reader a description of the situation at hand and then an analysis. This style of writing does not leave anything up to interpretation and allows the reader to know exactly what was going on. The analysis of the situation is often psychological or philosophical which adds a unique perspective unlike other Holocaust memoirs. Levi’s writing is somewhat devoid of emotion, however, that causes it to be an even more emotional experience for the reader. The part of the book that was most notable was how Levi described the dehumanization of the Jews in the camps. He showed how people were made to turn into beasts and even if they tried to fight it, they still lost a part of themselves. This is an important message that people tend to forget to talk about when learning about the Holocaust.. Levi’s struggle with humanity really made the book what it was. 

Overall, Survival In Auschwitz, is a very important book in the genre of Holocaust memoirs. Primo Levi works to educate people about what actually happened in the concentration camps. This book is definitely one of the best Holocaust memoirs and one that everyone should read.