Eichmann in the Eyes of Arendt: Historiographic Distancing and Divagations

Abstract

In order to contribute to discussions about the image of Adolf Eichmann illustrated in the record made by Hannah Arendt in his trial, we present, in contrast, testimonies of Jewish survivors who, during World War II, witnessed Eichmann's actions that prove that he knew the fate of millions of Jews deported to concentration and extermination camps - contrary to what he reported in his trial. From this illustrative outline, the historiographical characteristics of Arendt's records are analyzed, notably in their theoretical aspect, which deviate from data and facts of concrete reality, as experienced by those involved, thus constituting a review of some contributions of the renowned philosopher, which reveal gaps that distance the reality from its respective analyzes.