Evidence
What evidence does Frankl present to demonstrate how many prisoners felt after being in the concentration camps? (What actions did some prisoners decide to take? p.17)
Many prisoners lost hope and gave up.
They ran into the fence.
They smoked cigarettes.
'What is the central theme Frankl explores in Part 1 of the book regarding human survival in the concentration camps?'
People survive in extreme conditions by finding meaning in life.
'Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how.'", 'question': 'What does this quote from Frankl suggest about the role of purpose in survival? How does this relate to his overall philosophy?'
Purpose gives people the strength to endure difficult situations.
"What does the term 'dehumanization' refer to in the context of Frankl’s description of life in the concentration camps?"
It means when people are treated as less than human, losing their identify and dignity.
Shaved heads
Numbers instead of names
'How does the structure of Part 1 contribute to the reader’s understanding of Frankl’s perspective on the concentration camps?'
It shows his personal experience and emotions as he lived through the camp.
'How does Frankl illustrate his personal survival amidst the extreme conditions of the camp?' (What or who did he think of? p.29,38)
The prisoners thought about food because they were starving.
Frankl kept thinking about his family and why he needed to survive.
What does Frankl identify as essential for a person to endure extreme suffering?'
A reason to live and a sense of meaning.
"the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.'" What does Frankl mean by this?
Even in the worst circumstances, people can control their attitude and response.
You always have the ability to decide how you want to react.
"What does the term 'apathy' mean in Frankl’s observations of the prisoners?" (p.23)
It means feeling indifferent or not caring about what’s happening.
"How does Frankl’s first-person point of view enhance the reader's understanding of the psychological impact of the camps on the prisoners?"
We learn about his personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences and what he did to survive.
'What does Frankl suggest about the relationship between suffering and finding meaning in life?' (p.70)
Without suffering and death, life cannot be complete.
'Suffering can make a person stronger if they find meaning in it.
On page 73, Frankl says "A prisoner could not know how long his term of imprisonment would be." What central them does this idea connect to?
The need and importance of hope.
The ability to see a future for yourself.
'The prisoner who had lost faith in the future—his future—was doomed. "What does this quote suggest about the relationship between hope for the future and survival?
Hope for the future is critical for mental and physical survival.
On p.76 Frankl says, "One could make a victory of those experiences, turning life into an inner triumph, or one could ignore the challenge and simply vegetate, as did the majority of the prisoners."
What does vegetate mean?
To go numb, to not care, to not have an emotional reaction.
Look and behave like a Zoombie.
Why did Frankl decide to describe the camp experience in broad generalizations? (p.1)
He wanted to share what everyday life in a concentration camp was reflected in the mind of the average prisoner.
'How does Frankl describe the connection between people who had a rich intellectual life and their ability to survive camp life?'(p.37)
He says that people who were accustomed to analyzing life, who read lots of books, were able to cope better because they found meaning in their suffering.
What does Frankl say about love? (p.38)
Love is the ultimate and highest goal to which a man can aspire.
The salvation of man is through love and in love.
"What is to give light must endure the burning." How does this reflect Frankl's experience and philosophy?
Example: Candles give us light, but we must light them on fire first. The first represents burning or suffering, but the result is a bright light.
Frankl described the prisoners of concentration camps as being weak, famished, and emaciated. Use your knowledge of the concentration camps to explain what famished and emaciated might mean.
Starving to death.
Really hungry.
Super skinny.
How does Frankl's way of jumping between his personal story and his theories about survival help the reader understand the camp's impact?
It shows how Frankl's experiences in the camp influenced his philosophy of psychotherapy.
How he created logotherapy based on his time in the concentration camp.
'Frankl says that an abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior. Using evidence share example of this. (p.21,23,44,45)
Not being surprised by horrible events.
Maintaining a sense of humor.
Recognizing beauty in nature.
'How does Frankl utilize his personal experiences to highlight the central idea of human resilience?'
He shows that even in the worst times, people can find hope and meaning.
"'The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, gives him ample opportunity—to add a deeper meaning to his life.'
'How does Frankl’s statement about suffering relate to his idea of finding meaning?
Suffering can be meaningful if a person chooses to endure it with purpose.
On p. 24 Frankl says, "I was immediately hit on the back, rudely reprimanded and ordered to return to my place."
What does reprimanded mean?
Chastised, admonished.
'How does the structure of Frankl’s narrative reflect the psychological journey of the prisoners?'
It gives us a detailed look at what Frankl and other prisoners felt.