1203bm+Whole+by+Whole+Essay

= __The rules in the Camps __ = = =

What would our world be like without rules? Rules such as no smoking in restaurants, no drinking and driving, or no jaywalking keep our world safe and order. In //The Devil's// //Arithmetic//, different people tell different rules. There are many similarities between the camp's rules and Rivka's rules. The similarities between the camp's rules and Rivka's are that the rules are both made to keep things in order. Both sets of rules are used to warn the prisoners. The final similarity is that both sets of rules are told by Rivka at one point. There are many differences and similarities between both sets of rules.

In the camp the rules are told by four people: the three-fingered woman, Rivka, the tattooist, and the officer. One of the rules told by the three-fingered woman is never say no. You should never say no because you will be either beaten or killed if you do say no. The rule told by Rivka is that you have to memorize the shape, dents, and texture of your bowl. If you don't memorize this, you will have nothing to eat, drink, or bathe with. Therefore, you will die. The rule the tattooist gives is memorize your number. If you do not memorize your number, you not know who you are in the camp. One of the officer's rule is that there is no complaining. If you complain, you will appear to be too weak to work, therefore, you will be killed. The intent, or purpose, for these rules is to scare you and keep everything in order.

Rivka also has her own set of rules. One of her rules is to never go near Lilith's cave, or the gas ovens. If you go near them, you will most likely be sent into them. Once of her other rules is to never stand next to someone with a G in there number. If they have a G in their number, they are most likely Greek. Greeks don't understand commands fast enough and are most likely killed. If you are next to one of them, you will be easily mistaken for one of them. Rivka also says to never go to the hospital. If you go to the hospital, you will not be able to work as hard, then you will be killed. If you need any medical help, Rivka says go to Sarah for help. The intent of Rivka's rules is to keep you safe.

The two sets of rules are both extremely important. They have some similarities and many differences. If you listen to both sets of rules, you should be able to stay alive. The difference between following the rules and breaking them is the difference if you live or die. Choose wisely.