The Iron Tracks Reading Response Prompt

Choose one of the following questions to answer. Reading responses for The Iron Tracks are due Tuesday 5 April, in class or in Avery 475 by 5 PM.

Headings for reading responses should adhere to the following format:

Stu Dent
Humanities 450
Reading Response #1
5 April 2011

Please note: the reading response number should correspond to the number of assignments you've turned in, so up to 5.


Reading Response Prompt Questions:

1. Psychic trauma is defined as "an experience that produces psychological injury or pain." Is Erwin suffering from psychic trauma? What evidence from the text suggests that Erwin is dealing with psychic trauma, and how does he cope with his traumatic past?

2. Why does Erwin make a living "circulating" antique Jewish religious regalia and books? What deeper meaning do these items have for him?

3. The acquaintances that Erwin meets and interacts with along the course of journeys are important clues as to the state of popular opinion of the Holocaust (and the Jews). What do these clues offer as the state of popular opinion after the war?