Color perception in a person’s life is of great importance because people can change their mood or succumb to memories. The gray color is of great importance in the context of the book, as it shows the state of the world in which the main characters are located. Such a color scheme of people’s history in difficult situations and constantly close to death helps them feel it. Muted tones are the opposite of bright ones, which most people associate with something positive and pleasant. At the same time, gray can be perceived as neutral most of the time. However, it enhances the atmosphere conveyed in the book well. In addition, such a design could be used by the author because the ashes are gray. Many people were burned in the Nazi camps, which caused gray ash to float in the air (Levi, 1996). Thus, this color emphasizes the hopelessness and horrors of that time.
Many prisoners could defend themselves by knowing German and being able to speak one way or another, slightly affecting their fate. In addition, observation (Levi, 1996) has become an important defense mechanism for captives. Mindfulness saved many people’s lives as they could analyze what was coming and act accordingly based on it. In addition, mutual aid helped people protect themselves, as many voluntarily shared their food with those who needed it more.
In the book, it can be traced transformation of Levi since he could not go through such a difficult path without changes. He had to work hard, and if he were not so young and strong, he would not have been able to adapt to such conditions (Levi, 1996). In addition, due to his knowledge of chemistry, he managed to work in the laboratory, which was much easier than physical labor in the cold, where many people died. In the camp, he rethought a lot in his life and changed not for the better, as a series of cruelty affects a person. However, at the same time, Levi did not lose the ability to turn around and help other people. Various things happen to people in this story and are often fatal. The life of the prisoners was a turning point since many could have been lucky and they were able to survive, however, the fate of other such people was completely different.
Reference
Levi, P. (1996). Survival in Auschwitz. Simon & Schuster.