This way for the gas ladies and gentlemen, is a collection of short stories following the experiences of the narrator Tadek, inspired by the experiences of Tadeusz Borowski during his time at Auschwitz. The work provides us with a personal account for a moment in history that seems unimaginable yet in some ways relatable in modern society. Although the book was first published more than fifty years ago, Borowski's brutally honest, and personal, account of one of the most traumatizing moments in human history is helpful by providing us with insights to aid us in our understanding of traumatizing modern events.
Borowski's tales provided insights into the psychology of people during times of trauma through the descriptions of the psychology and actions of people at the concentration camp. He describes a time when he had to “go back inside the train; I carry out dead infants; I unload luggage. I touch corpses, but I cannot overcome the mounting, uncontrollable terror” (This Way for the Gas Ladies and Gentlemen, 45). Due to fear of his own life, Tadek is forced into an extreme situation and even though he realises his acts are inhumane, he must carry …show more content…
Daniel Defoe's A journal of a plague year recounts moments when the great plague of London had a profound impact on society. For example, Defoe had put the decision of whether or not to stay in London during the plague in the hands of God, and as a result was risking his life in belief that he was in no danger. In addition, Defoe mentions how some people would seek refuge in God as they believed “nothing but the immediate finger of God, nothing but omnipotent power, could have done [the plague]” (Journal of a Plague Year, 564) . Faith in a higher purpose allowed citizens to seek refuge in the afterlife and shows how people's belief in God could have reduced their
Borowski's tales provided insights into the psychology of people during times of trauma through the descriptions of the psychology and actions of people at the concentration camp. He describes a time when he had to “go back inside the train; I carry out dead infants; I unload luggage. I touch corpses, but I cannot overcome the mounting, uncontrollable terror” (This Way for the Gas Ladies and Gentlemen, 45). Due to fear of his own life, Tadek is forced into an extreme situation and even though he realises his acts are inhumane, he must carry …show more content…
Daniel Defoe's A journal of a plague year recounts moments when the great plague of London had a profound impact on society. For example, Defoe had put the decision of whether or not to stay in London during the plague in the hands of God, and as a result was risking his life in belief that he was in no danger. In addition, Defoe mentions how some people would seek refuge in God as they believed “nothing but the immediate finger of God, nothing but omnipotent power, could have done [the plague]” (Journal of a Plague Year, 564) . Faith in a higher purpose allowed citizens to seek refuge in the afterlife and shows how people's belief in God could have reduced their