Five Chimneys: The Story of Auschwitz

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses antisemitism, the Holocaust, murder, and physical and sexual violence.

In Chapter 1, Lengyel describes her skepticism about the rumors she hears about the mass murder of Polish civilians by German troops. How does the reputation of Germany as described in Chapter 1 (in terms of being exceptionally civilized and forward-thinking) help to protect the secret of the death camps?

How do the conditions in the cattle car foreshadow the family’s experience at Auschwitz-Birkenau?

Do you condemn prisoners who steal from each other in the barracks? Justify your answer using textual evidence.