Significance of Title
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The title of the memoir, I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors, can be interpreted in many ways. Although our group could have asked her specifically why she titled the memoir this way, we have decided to briefly analyse the significance of the title with the information given to me. As you can see, the title is very literal and straight to the point as if it’s “proud” to state that she is in fact a child of Holocaust survivors. Comparatively, Bernice Eisenstein has openly stated that while she was growing up she would use this fact (as a child of Holocaust survivors) to either gather attention or to be sympathized with. For example, in her memoir (I was a Child of Holocaust Survivors, 2006, p.21), it is written:
Hey man, I’m different than you are. My parents were in Auschwitz. What do you have that can top that one? I knew I could throw that line out anywhere, anytime – in a sandbox, for instance. Can I play with your shovel and pail? No? Well, my parents were in Auschwitz.
As Bernice Eisenstein grew she developed a compassion for the Holocaust; or more specifically, she stopped using it as an excuse to feel sorry for herself. She states in her blog entry My life (2008):
All through my life I thought that I should feel sorry for myself as well as my family. I thought this because of what my family had been through. I do not know why I felt sorry for myself. Now that I look back on it I now realize what a great life I had.
In conclusion, we believe that the title signifies the transition from self-pity to acceptance and moving on towards a better future.
Eisenstein, B. (2006). I was a child of Holocaust survivors. Toronto, On: McClelland & Stewart Ltd.
Eisenstein, B. (2008). My life [Myspace post]. Retrieved from http://www.myspace.com/berniceeisenstein
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1 comments:
Interesting points Daniel. I think it’s interesting to also note the actual look of the title on the cover as well. The title “I was a child of Holocaust survivors” really looks like the same kind of font or styling that was used. Take a look at this King Kong poster
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/kingkong.jpg
(please note that the comment application on this blog will not allow Html for some reason).
Eisenstein did say in her memoir that she was inspired by cinema though this may be my subjective speculation. Either way, the title and cover are quite appropriate.
-Amy
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