Chapter 8 "This Side of Good and Evil," Summary and Analysis

Most Auschwitz survivors try to infuse meaning into daily events. Faced with a life where meaning is intentionally destroyed, they strive for a sense of reality, a sense of control and a sense that meaning can be found. Levi reports, however, that the inferred meaning of most events is erroneous and often based upon misperception. The camp is overwhelmed by rumors, and legitimate information is often deliberately withheld in order for one group to gain a political or economic advantage over another group. Contrary to the expectation fostered by the strict Nazi regimen, a black market flourishes within the camp. The market connects the inmates with free German citizens, who come into contact with the forced labor camps for various reasons. Often, prisoners will steal items from...