Language:
English
Year of publication:
2010
Titel der Quelle:
Romanic Review
Angaben zur Quelle:
103, 3 (2010) 425-444
Keywords:
Levi, Primo.
;
Rumkowski, Mordecai Hayim
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), in literature
;
Italian literature History and criticism
Abstract:
Reflects on the image of Chaim Rumkowski as it appears in "La zona grigia", the second essay of Levi's major work "I sommersi e i salvati". Argues that Rumkowski is presented as a "bad example" of the "grey zone", or as an example of the "bad". Levi summons the reader to try to judge Rumkowski, while knowing beforehand that the reader will fail. Levi suggests that no ethical scheme that we might apply to the people of the "grey zone" in order to assess the moral quality of their acts is applicable to the Judenälteste of Łódź. In Levi's view, Rumkowski symbolizes the incomprehensibility of the Holocaust, of its psychological aspects and ethical side. Yet, Levi mourns him, a man whom he despises, but nonetheless a man whose singularity he commemorates in his essay.
Note:
"La zona grigia" is the second essay in "I sommersi e i salvati".
URL:
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