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Dr. Nyiszli arrives at Auschwitz.
Dr. Nyiszli comes out of one of the many trains carrying about 90 people into Auschwitz. He is with his wife and daughter. It is a turning point for Dr. Nyiszli's life. This relates to the theme because even though he did not have a choice to go to Auschwitz, later, he will have many choices to choose. -
The Selection
They are split into two lines. Dr. Nyiszli is separated from his wife and daughter. He is put into a small line who all look like doctors. This is a turning point. This relates to the theme because he followed the orders of the guards to survive. -
Separation
Dr. Josef Mengele meets the small group of men. He asks who studied at the German University and if they know surgery. Dr. Nyiszli steps up quickly and is separated from the group. This is a turning point in his life. This relates to the theme statement because he chose to stand out to survive. -
The Mass Murder
Dr. Nyiszli witnesses a mass murder of prisoners at Auschwitz. He sees that the prisoners are told lies and that they would take a shower. The prisoners go inside the gas chambers and get gassed to death. This is a negative character development. This relates to the theme statement because he educated himself on how he will die if he does not follow orders. -
Wife and Daughter Found
Dr. Nyiszli luckily gets permission to go through the camps in Auschwitz to go look for his wife and daughter. He finds them and they have a heart warming reunion. This is a positive character development. This relates to the theme statement because he found something to survive for. -
Liberation and Hope
Dr. Nyiszli and other surviving prisoners gets liberated inside of Auschwitz. The Soviets come in and save them. This is a turning point his life. This relates to the theme statement because instead of trying to escape, Dr. Nyiszli chose to follow orders believing that he will survive. -
Theme Statement
You must do what you need to do to survive.
