Chapter 14 "Kraus," Summary and Analysis

Chapter 14 is dedicated nearly entirely to the consideration of Kraus Pbli, a fellow inmate. Kraus is not exceptional and, within the framework of the autobiography, can be interpreted as representative of the vast majority of individuals who were murdered at Auschwitz after several months of starvation and forced labor. Kraus, Levi, Gounan, Clausner, and a few others are digging a deep hole in the muddy earth. Kraus, a Hungarian, is tall and thin, wears glasses and has a small face. He is fairly simple and works too hard and fast—especially when he is not being directly supervised. The other inmates hate Kraus because he never slows the pace. After working in the mud for several hours, the work group takes a break for lunch. Kraus is unusually despondent and teeters on the verge of abject...