Survival in Auschwitz
... resistance, which was crucial in survival. Steinlauf states “We must walk erect, without dragging our feet, not in homage to Prussian discipline but to remain alive, not to begin to die.” (Levi, 41) He meant that everyone needed to look beyond the imprisonment and resist the degrading feelings and acts of dehumanization by the Germans. Participating in everyday routines that would have been done outside the camp also portrays the theme of resistance. The smallest daily habits and possessions had such meaning considering the Germans had taken away all their freedom to act as individuals. “ So we must certainly wash our faces without soap in dirty water and dry ourselves on our jackets. We must polish our shoe, not because the regulation states it, but for dignity and propriety.” (Levi, 41) Levi was able to resist by not allowing himself to lose his individuality and by reassuring himself that outside of all of the cruelty there was really something pure and whole still worth living for. (Levi, 121) He tried to pick out the good in everything such as a sunny day or a pair of shoes that fit. Levis resistance to lose hope allowed him to see the brighter side of things and ultimately survive. “ It is lucky it is not windy today. Strange how in some way one always has the impression of being fortunate, how some chance happening, perhaps infinitesimal, stops us crossing the thr...