Concentration Camps

These places of imprisonment are fundamental to Frankl's description of human suffering. They are most relevant due to their impact on the human psyche rather than as specific places. Hence, they are discussed collectively to reflect the human state of mind and behavioral responses to the captivity and brutality that was common to all the concentration camps, although Auschwitz, Dachau, and an unnamed Bavarian camp receive individual mention.

Prison Life

This is a concept frequently illustrated throughout the first section of the book. Imprisonment in the concentration camps presented a somber reality for the prisoners, one in which undernourishment, beatings, overcrowded sleeping quarters, and death were in abundance. Prisoners' individuality and past accomplishments were regarded as worthless, and prison life constantly reinforced that no value was placed on the lives of the prisoners.

Three Phases of Psychological Reactions

Based on the nature of their imprisonment, three...