journal 11

The poem about Ulysses (the greek epic poem also called Odysseus where it explains the Ithacan king returning from Trojan war)that Primo explains to Pikolo is basically a poem that invigorates hopes to the hopeless people. The poem, in a different way, talks about Ulysses' dangerous adventure through the ocean and troubles. This sort of reminds the prisoners in Auschwitz. Odysseus (or Ulysses whatever) was forced to go to trojan war because of Menelaus, king of sparta, and it took long time to come back to his home, just like jewish people in the camp. Jewish were forced to come to the camp because of German nazis. They were labored and until the German Nazis were defeated, the prisoners lived a animal-like life. Many jewish died, as well as Ody's men. Ody's poem might have gave the prisoners feel hopeful because Ody was successful at last getting to his home. They probably believed that, just like Ody, they will also live throughout the camp (although that is not sure because anybody can die anytime) and return home.