Primo Levi Chapter Summary

Another form of surviving Auschwitz was through the ability to move up in ranks of the camp through appearances and trades. Primo Levi details the stories of how salvation is possible in chapter nine, through the stories of Schepschel, Alfred L. Elias and Henri. Alfred L. was an engineer before imprisonment and Primo Levi describes his story as “how vain the myth of original equality among men” can be (93). Levi states that when he met him he did not appear to be in good shape but showed signs of a disciplined and methodical attitude. His job was to clean Polish workers’ pots daily, which gave him the opportunity to eat additional soup each day. Alfred L. was peculiar in the sense that even though everyone was living in misery and terrible living and hygienic conditions, he held onto the discipline of washing his hands, face, and shirt everyday, instead of waiting for the bi-monthly change of all …show more content…
Primo Levi, who received a Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry in 1941, Turin, Italy, describes in chapter ten of his memoir, taking a chemistry examination, administered by Doctor Pannwitz in order to join the Chemical Kommando of skilled workers. Levi recalls questioning the form in which Doctor Pannwitz looked at him, as if he was not a man and questions his human soul. Even though Levi had training and a degree in Chemistry, Primo Levi did not initially get placed in the Chemical Kommando. This was not a surprise for Levi who could communicate basics in German but not to the extent required to work with others in a laboratory. Primo Levi was also very realistic, which helped him stay grounded and realize that in the Lager, one must not anticipate optimistic results, but instead be thankful to live day by