Prisoner B-3087

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Alexis Humphreys Siegel English 3H 21 May 2024. “If I had known what the next six years of my life were going to be like, I would have eaten more. I wouldn't have complained about brushing my teeth, or taking a bath, or going to bed at eight o'clock every night. I would have played more. Laughed more than I could. I would have hugged my parents and told them I loved them. But I was ten years old, and I had no idea of the nightmare that was to come. None of us did''(Gratz, 1). “Prisoner B-3087” written by Alan Gratz in 2013 tells of the journey of Yanek through concentration camps showing true hope and determination to survive. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, “Prisoner B-3087” follows the journey of Yanek …show more content…

Throughout the novel, the setting transitions from the claustrophobic confines of the ghetto to the bleak landscapes of Auschwitz and other death camps, vividly depicting the atrocities of the Holocaust. “I look through the cracks. Goeth was coming closer with all the shining black leather boots and crisp black uniform. One of his dogs lifted his ears and looked right at me”(Gratz, 92). As Yanek hides from the guards, he shows true determination to survive at all costs. As Alan Gratz crafts a diverse array of characters, from fellow prisoners to brutal Nazi guards, each one contributes to the rich environment of Yanek's narrative. The first-person point of view immerses readers in Yanek's perspective, allowing them to experience his fear, desperation, and ultimately, his unwavering will to survive against all odds. The story dives into themes of resilience, survival, and the unbeatable human spirit amidst unimaginable suffering. The mood is often somber, reflecting the harsh realities of the Holocaust, yet there are moments of hope and perseverance that truly show the narrative. The tone fluctuates between despair and determination, capturing the protagonist's struggle to maintain his humanity in …show more content…

Ultimately, the book resonates with a message of courage and resilience in the darkest of times. The syntax is often straightforward, mirroring the protagonist's realistic mindset in the face of struggle while diction is carefully chosen to evoke the harshness of life in the concentration camps, with stark descriptions and disturbing imagery. Language is used throughout sparingly but powerfully to convey the protagonist's emotions and experiences as he moves through the concentration camps and his life. Organization follows a linear timeline, with occasional flashbacks to provide context and depth to the protagonist's backstory. “If I had only known what I had known now, I would have run. I wouldn’t have stopped to pack a bag or say goodbye to my friends, or even unplug my projector” (Gratz, 6). This line really shows how terrible the Holocaust was and if only someone knew what would occur maybe it could have been stopped. The structure is intentionally sparse, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory and the chaos of the Holocaust experience. Short chapters and concise scenes maintain a sense of urgency and momentum, propelling the reader through the narrative with relentless force. This novel has definitely

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