“The Inventory of Human Misery.” Lice in Nazi Camp Narrations

Authors

  • Barbara Czarnecka Katedra Historii Literatury Polskiej XX Wieku, Uniwersytet Jagielloński

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31261/NoZ.2017.03.05

Abstract

“The Inventory of Human Misery”. Lice in Nazi Camp Narrations

The article is a polemic with the ahistorical interpretation of animal studies and reveals a meaning of insects that is other than symbolic. Using numerous examples taken from Nazi
camp literature, it proves that in extreme conditions, a human – in order to maintain physical existence – cannot fight for ecosystemic animal equality. The text presents the living conditions of prisoners and the camp experience of fighting lice, along with completely unexpected situations brought about in concentration camps by the presence of insects.

Key words: animal studies, lice, military occupation, Jews, Nazi camps, concentration camps, Shoah

Published

2017-12-29

How to Cite

Czarnecka, B. (2017). “The Inventory of Human Misery.” Lice in Nazi Camp Narrations. Narracje O Zagładzie [Narrations of the Shoah], (3), 66–86. https://doi.org/10.31261/NoZ.2017.03.05