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Summary: The Third Reich was bombing Bialobrzegi while Aron was working in the small workshop owned by his boss, Ume Gutowicz. While the government and army were fleeing, buildings were being crush and reduced to rubble.
Negative Character Development: Witnessing his homeland on the verge of total disaster made Aron wary and fearful when even walking home.
Relation to Theme: Aron once had dreams, but now faces the hard reality that it will only be a matter of surviving from here on out. -
Summary: Aron and his brothers were sent to Sucha, an occupied palace, to do labor.
Positive Character Development: Not only did Aron get to do decent labor (in terms of the Holocaust), but he also got to know soldiers and sneak home some food, this gave Aron an optimistic mindset at the beginning of his long journey.
Relation to theme: Aron was full of luck as he was able to have doable work in manageable conditions which was something that was desired at the time. -
Summary: In the Bialobrzegi marketplace, Aron was separated from his father and siblings as he worked at the Zoerk power line. The last words spoken to Aron were "Maybe you will survive."
Negative Character Development: Aron's father, Moshe, was the one person who Aron could rely on for strength and protection, but now even he is gone.
Relation to Theme: Aron had survived the Holocaust despite one of the greatest lost of all, his Father, who was a major support. -
Summary: Aron and his brothers, as well as his friend, Zisman Birman, escape from the camp to later retreat to the forest for survival.
Positive Character Development: Aron new staying at that camp meant that they were basically waiting until their demise, so escaping gave him hope and more determination to survive.
Relation to Theme: The brothers and friend escaped which defied their circumstances as there was the imminent danger of SS guards who were willing to shoot with the intent to kill. -
Summary: As Aron's brother, Itzhak, as well as his friend, Zisman, went to go look for a friend. However, they met AK men who shot them.
Negative Character Development: His oldest brother assumed the father figure. However, Aron now has to become more fierce and agile to survive as they need to travel even more, and without support of a brother, nor a friend.
Relation to Theme: Like with his father, Aron went through the hardship of losing Itzhak, knowing he will never see him again. -
Summary: Aron and his brother, Abe, travel to Jan Jarzobek's house, welcomed by him and his wife who let the young men in.
Positive Character Development: Meeting Jan, who welcomed them, gave him a newfound strength and relief as he had someone who he knows he can go to for support.
Relation to Theme: Though many people yelled at them, Jan welcomed Aron and his brother which was a great moment as they knew they could have food and wouldn't completely starve. -
Summary: After living in the attic of Sucha, Aron, and Abe, finally walk out free to the street where the Nazis are finally gone.
Positive Character Development: Aron is finally free and becomes jubilant now that he can start a new life, one that he's always wanted.
Relation to Theme: Aron had suffered as he lost his home, family, and freedom. However, he fortunately had some luck and he survived the Holocaust. -
Summary: Aron Goldfarb and Ester Disman marry each other.
Positive Character Development: Aron finds his companion and is finally ready to change to become a better man so that he and his wife can live a good life.
Relation to Theme: After both the horrendous Holocaust and the tough journey of living form then after (black market work), Aron was finally able to find a woman who would change him for the better. -
Through the given blessings and hardships, one can prevail.
