Write an analytical essay assignment on “Eichmann and the Holocaust” by Hannah Arendt. Choose on of the two topic for the analytical essay.
1. On page 60 Arendt writes that “as Eichmann told it, the most potent factor in the soothing of his conscience was the simple fact that he could see no one, no one at all, who actually was against the Final Solution.” What are some of the examples she cites? Were any of these examples Jewish? Why was this such a “potent factor?”
2. The claim that they were simply following the orders of their superiors is at the heart of many accused Nazi was criminals’ defenses of their actions, including Eichmann’s. Another is that the actions of states cannot or should not be judged by other states. In what ways does Arendt examine these issue in the latter chapters of the book?
Do provide direct citations from the text. Do not merely summarize the text. It must be a clear, concise thesis statement and a consistent argument.
