Journal Entry #11

Journal Entry #11
Chapter 11 : The Canto of Ulysses

Chapter 11 is quite different from the previous chapters becaues it contains dialouges that are somewhat light-hearted, humorous, and humane. Unlike the previous chapters that were dark, and dominated by despair, this chapter was significant since it showed that Primo still had some humane values in him left even after he experienced all the curelty of the camp. Also, it showed how Primo loved his country, Italy very much. Even though Primo was betrayed by his own country's government, we can see in this chapter that he is fascinated by the beauty of Italian language. When Primo tries to teach his French inmate, Pikolo, by translating the Canto of Ulysses originally written by Dante. As Levi recites it, we can see that he is stunned by the beauty of the Italian language. While the camp was filled with foul dialouges like cuss words, or other brutal words in German that they couldn't understand, this was the first time that Primo actually had some good conversation with someone else. Also, the process of trying to teach Pikolo Italian enabled him to reminisce the good times that he had back in home. Primo, not just a "prisoner," nor just a jew, was able to express his original self through his dialouges with Pikolo. This shows that Primo is still somewhat civilized, and that he is capable of having sympathy. It shows that the Germans had failed turning Primo into a complete beast.