The Holocaust provides examples of human nature at its best and at its worst and every level between the two extremes. Gerda Weissmann Klein, the author of All But My Life, supplies a detailed and personal look at what happened during the Holocaust. She describes the vile actions of the Nazis set against the splendid and courageous deeds of many who dared to stand up to them. She mostly showed the perspective of the people caught in the middle. Although the Holocaust seems mainly to represent evil and villains, a closer look uncovers many instances of goodness and heroes.
             On September 3rd, 1939 Gerda Weissmann Klein's faith in human nature began to crumble. Up until then, her world consisted of a loving family, good friends, and a peaceful town. After this date, she came to the sad realization that her life was being taken away from her. She learned this first hand when her father's close friend and business associate, Mr. Pipersburg, was badly beaten by the Germans. His only crime was trying to see what had happened to his factory since the Germans had taken it over. Not long after, she and her family were forced from their home. Even worse, Gerda watched helplessly as one by one, her family was taken away. These
             and other horrible experiences almost killed her belief in humanity. Yet somehow, she was still able to find hope. During even the worst times, she met people that showed kindness. For example, Frau Kugler, a camp leader, helped Gerda by making her pull herself together when shewas sick. Otherwise, Gerda would have been sent to Auschwitz to be gassed. Gerda said, surprised but gratefully, "The German woman who worked for the SS had saved my life" (133). Although Gerda nearly lost all faith in human nature during her experiences in the Holocaust, she occasionally saw a glimmer of hope that there are good people in the world.
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