Short Answer 
The Holocaust remains incomprehensible, even to survivors like Elie Wiesel, who express deep confusion over the atrocities faced. Wiesel highlights the emotional scars of survivors and refers to Auschwitz and Birkenau as “death factories,” emphasizing the systematic nature of the genocide and the importance of remembering this tragedy.
Incomprehensibility of the Holocaust
The rationale behind the Holocaust remains beyond comprehension for many, including survivors and scholars. Even individuals like Elie Wiesel, who experienced the aftermath and wrote extensively about it, struggle to find an explanation for the atrocities committed. This deep sense of confusion highlights the profound impact of such a tragic event on collective human understanding.
Reflection on Survivor Experience
Wiesel shares the heart-wrenching feelings of survivors who live with the weight of the Holocaust. They grapple with the memories and questions surrounding the senseless cruelty they witnessed and endured. The emotional scars left on these individuals often lead to a haunting sense of disbelief where they ponder why life was lost, especially in places like Birkenau.
Imagery of Death Factories
In his writings, Wiesel refers to Auschwitz and its sub-camp Birkenau as a “death factory,” emphasizing the systematic extermination that occurred there. This term illustrates the mechanized and industrial approach to genocide, making it even harder to process. The imagery evokes a powerful reminder of the horrors faced and the urgency to remember and educate about this tragedy.