What does he want to be approved?

In writing this memoir, is Levi primarily sharing personal experiences, or is he viewing historical events through a particular political lens? Explain how important knowledge of the political, ethical, and social influences of the historical period is to understand this selection. Explain.

In the final three sentences, how does Churchill try to uplift and inspire his listeners?

What examples of parallelism can you find in this paragraph? What is the effect of this parallelism?

How do you think some people were able to survive the inhuman creation that Levi and the others received?

How would you describe Levi's tone? Cite passages that illustrate this tone. What effect does the tone have on your perception of Levi's experiences?

In the final two paragraphs, identify and analyze rhetorical devices that Churchill uses to arouse emotional reactions in his listeners. (Consider such techniques as emphasis, repetition, word choice, personal references, and call to action.) What is his purpose in these paragraphs?

What does it mean to be "hollow"? Why does Levi conclude that after a man has been made "hollow" it is easy to decide if such a man lives or dies? Explain whether you think the Nazis realized this and intentionally inflicted such a state on the prisoners.

Why do you think Levi uses the phrase "second act" to describe what happens to the men after they undress? Why does he later" say "We seem to be watching some mad play...."?

Why does Levi first chink that the sign saying not to drink the water is a joke? Why do you think the prisoners were put in a room with undrinkable water?

Describe the dehumanizing process that the prisoners go through.

When morning comes, what do the men have to do before they can finally get dressed? After they are dressed, why do they "not dare to lift their eyes"?

What does the SS man tell Levi and the others to do with their shoes? What happens to all their shoes later?

When Levi arrives in Auschwitz, what factors lead him to conclude that this is "hell"?