In many literary works, some of the most significant events are mental or psychological. Gerda Weissmann Klein's memoir All But My Life is no exception. Many of these events are given the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external action. One important internal event was when she is separated from her parents at her hometown of Bielitz. Another is when they begin the "death march." This internal action is also present during her encounters with Abek.

While living in the ghetto, Gerda and her family could only speculate when they would be stripped apart and be shipped off to work in labor camps. Although the act of separating the Klein's was physical, the after effects are demonstrated through Gerda's thoughts. While waiting on the train at the station, Gerda forms a vivid picture in her head of her mother. This image reveals her true worries...