5602ra+Whole+by+Whole+Essay


 * Rules**

Are rules really necessary? If we did not have rules then everyone could get away with anything. In the book //The Devil's Arithmetic,// two sets of rules are there to maintain order. One set is the camp's rules and the other set is Rivka's rules. Both sets of rules want the prisoners to survive, remember their number, and keep order. Without rules most societies would be in a huge period of chaos. These two sets of rules helped maintain order and did many other things too.

In the concentration camp, different people like the three-fingered woman, tattooist, and the officer told rules. One of the most important rules is, don't speak unless spoken to which was told by the three fingered woman. If you go against this rule you will most likely be beaten senselessly. The second most important rule is to learn schnell which was also told by the three fingered woman and would be very helpful considering that the germans say that a lot. I think that the reason why the camp has the rule "don't speak unless spoken to" is because they want to show the prisoners who has authority. Learning "schnell" is important because they say it often and it is easier if you know what it means. If you were wondering what Schnell means it means fast

Rivka is a very helpful person that gives newcomers tips on how to survive in the camp. One big rule which is told by Rivka is, you call people by their names because it will make you remember your life before this dark time. Another rule is to take good care of your bowl because you don't get another one this rule was also told by Rivka. She also says that you should never go near the gas ovens. I think that the first rule is there because it makes you remember who you were. The second rule was made because that was the only bowl that you had. Finally, if you go near the gas ovens you might be sent to them.

If I had lived through this hardship I would have obeyed Rivka's rules. I would obey her rules because it would give me more hope. They also increase your chance of surviving in the concentration camp. You only have one chance to make the right decision. If you follow Rivka's rules you would have made the best decision you could have made in the concentration camps.