Auschwitz Concentration Camp In Brzezinka Summary

A.M. Rosenthal’s commentary on his experience visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp in Brzezinka and Oswiecim, Poland depicts the progression of the natural departure of the horrific memories that have occurred at the camp, along with emphasizing the importance of preserving and educating the world of this crucial part of history. By using alternating moods and tones, Rosenthal describes the multitude of feelings and reactions experienced by the visitors as well as himself. As he incorporates unsettling factual information, along with horrific personal stories, it allows the reader to further comprehend the atrocities that have occurred by developing a connection between aspects of their lives and aspects of the prisoners’ lives. Although Rosenthal, along with many other writers,
In this quote, Rosenthal uses a juxtaposition of past life versus now, comparing the drastic change of conditions of the camp. He uses another juxtaposition of beauty versus horror, displaying a direct progression of time and how something so beautiful can grow atop such a horrid memory. “The most terrible thing of all, somehow, was that at Brzezinka the sun was bright and warm, the rows of graceful poplars were lovely to look upon and on the grass near the gates children played”(Rosenthal). By claiming that beautiful nature which now grows over the horrific place of death is the most terrible thing of all displays Rosenthal’s use of irony. Along with the use of irony, Rosenthal uses imagery to depict the lush nature as a sign of homage and respect. Just as humans construct memorials and commemorate those who have suffered, nature pays respect to the dead in a hauntingly beautiful way. As the article proceeds, the tone progresses from haunting peacefulness to a more terrifying and raw display of