Commentary On The Essay 'Dachau' By Martha Gellhorn

The ghastly realities of war result in long lasting distress for many. Martha Gellhorn’s article “Dachau” is a retelling of her arrival to Dachau, the first concentration camp to be opened by the Nazis of Germany during World War II. Gellhorn was one of the first journalists to report from the concentration camp and her detailed observations subjected readers to the horrific realities of Dachau. The graphic descriptions and disgust shown by the author were successful in swaying the reader against Germany during the time. The emotional, somber tone of Gellhorn is reflected in the reader as she depicts the unbelievable realities of Dachau. The author describes the camp in immense detail, causing the reader to feel as if they are standing with Gellhorn, witnessing the tormenting scenes with her. Gellhorn’s writing is chilling, the emotional response increasing with each read. Gellhorn recounts her visit to Dachau a week after the camp had been surrendered to American troops. She discusses the harrowing sights she encounters at the camp’s hospital and prison. While in the hospital
She uses simile, “dumped like garbage,” to describe her disgust of the way the bodies of the dead were treated. Gellhorn utilizes repetition effectively, stating “you are ashamed. You are ashamed for mankind.” The author’s point is emphasized by reiterating it, a powerful way to show how strongly she feels as well as leaving a lasting effect on the author as the phrase echoes in their head. She also uses repetition by restating the word bone, “nothing but bones, bones grown huge because there was no flesh to cover them, hideous, terrible, agonizing bones.” This use of repetition amplifies the reader’s emotion as Gellhorn continues to discuss the bones that haunt