Writing Prompts - Helene Rothschild
Prompt 1
Helene fled Europe before most of the horrific events that were perpetrated on the Jewish people during the 1930’s and 1940’s. The theme of exile, defined as a situation in which you are forced to leave your country and go live in a foreign country, is evident in her story. After viewing Helene’s documentary, cite textual evidence of the theme of exile in an essay that both summarizes and analyzes her attitude about exile during the Holocaust. Be sure to cite specific evidence to support your analysis.
Prompt 2
Refugees from Germany faced immense difficulties when leaving the country. Nazi policies had systematically stripped Jews of much of their wealth, and few countries were willing to accept large numbers of impoverished immigrants. The Great Depression had left countless millions unemployed worldwide and ignited feelings of antisemitism echoed by government officials in democratic countries. The coming of war in September 1939 further helped to close the doors for emigration from Germany.
View Helene’s documentary and click on the link below to thoroughly analyze the documentation required to obtain a visa to enter the United States. Explain and analyze three complications Helene faced in her emigration and be sure to cite specific evidence in support your analysis.
Primary Source 1-Documents required to obtain a visa to the United States
Obstacles to Immigration. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2017, from https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007455
Prompt 3
Helene Rothschild and Zina Gontownik’s testimonies tell of their interactions with the Nazis concerning children: Helene’s nieces and Zina’s daughter. Read the accounts below. Compare and contrast Helene and Zina’s experiences with Nazi officials, citing strong and thorough evidence from the testimonies.