Elie Wiesel was a Holocaust survivor, and one who wrote a short story as well. He is able to read the book “The Shawl” with an insight that most readers would not have. Wiesel describes a Holocaust survivor as one who “[S]hould not be normal” (358). He explains that Holocaust survivors may seem that they have it all together, but how not all of them have “adjusted” to the new life. How could one move on, while their past is “[B]uried under ashes” (358) he proclaims. Wiesel, in detail, points out Rosa’s behavior and how someone like that can be justified by their actions.
