This week was very much focused on topics related to the WWII era, specifically analyzing and discussing the “last letters” we each read, as well as continued beginning the preparation for our projects and presentations. On Tuesday, September 17, each student was assigned two letters sent from someone enduring their own hardships and experiences during the WWII era. We held an in-class session where we shared our thoughts and what we found interesting in those letters (along with other people). I would re-outline what my letters in particukar were about, however, we also utilized a new technique in class called a freewrite. I am including mine below to demonstarte how I personally interpreted my letters and the effect it left:
Reading the backstory and context behind Rosette Bamblatt and her letters to family while in Auschwitz, as same goes for the letter from Yuri on the front lines to his family, has been and still is very crucial. It’s funny because as centered around the letter itself the article is, the information you read first on the sites convey almost more. Rosette seemed to have taken up a rebellious, righteous attitude while going through this turmoil, it was pretty inspiring to see how she was taken under others’ wings and fought for her freedom/the value of it before, in, and after custody. I also really was appealed to by the element of love and family ties/loyalty in this piece, as the times the dynamics were exemplified, it seems very tight-knit. From working in their father’s shop, to going back and forth between far distances to see and care for one another, to essentially hiding the mother while being found by the police, the daughters, hence sacrificing themselves. It was beautiful and so tragic. As for the letter from Yuri, he emulates true love and dedication. He wanted to know every detail, every moment, having every bit of communicating information to not only stay in the loop and involved but live vicariously probably with his family. He wrote very positively and optimistically, but also as if his heart was breaking on paper at the stakes he was at, and how sick he was of missing his wife and young daughter. While he most likely had not much else to do or where to go in a time of great limitation and need for staying busy and to oneself- pursuit-wise especially, he served a number of pretty high-profile and important positions in the army stationed in Kharkov. He was even awarded a medal dedicated to his strength and courage in battle. If he were still around today, he probably would be in textbooks, making appearances, telling his stories, and much publicity like the amazing people that survived through this time period that do the same.
On Thursday, September 19, the class went through general searching techniques and sites that would be provided for our benefit in gathering information for our topics. We had some time to brainstorm and get familiar with these online applications, as well as learn a new aspect for our future use on our sites. We learned how to comment and leave feedback on classmates’ posts, which led to everyone being able to test this new knowledge on two students. I examined posts from and gave feedback to Sarah and Aliki. It was insightful to view other website designs/layouts, as well as their interpretation of what we learned in class. I look forward to seeing everyone else’s sites and project topics in time, as well as exploring the topic of love letters next week!
Author
hmoore@muhlenberg.edu