Essay where I have to compare the French-Algerian War and oppression described in two different literary works

Here is my essay question:

1.  In "Survival in Auschwitz", Primo Levi writes:

We do not believe in the most obvious and facile deduction: that man is fundamentally brutal, egoistic and stupid in his conduct once every civilized institution is taken away, and that the Haftling is consequently nothing but a man without inhibitions.  We believe, rather that the only conclusion to be drawn is that in the face of driving necessity and physical disabilities many social habits and instincts are reduced to silence.

And in "The Poor Man's Son", Mouloud Feraoun writes in the conclusion:

While awaiting death, cultivate your garden in order to better cultivate the garden of your children and the other children, who are also yours.  You are not a schoolteacher for nothing.

Using the books, please explain what Levi and Feraoun mean in these quotes.  what do these book have in common and how do you think the authors' writings help you understand the effect of oppression and responses to it, both in the realm of literature and in everyday life?  When answering this question, please be mindful that you are expected to tie your analysis of the book to actual historical events, facts, and dates.


...Ok so I can't find ANY interpretations, critiques, etc. of these books anywhere to help figure out what they mean in their quotes.  I feel like Feraoun was referring to education when he was talking about cultivating your garden, because he was one of the only educated people from the Algiers area, and therefore one of the only people not oppressed.  However, I have no idea how this related to what Levi is talking about.  I don't think Levi has a solution to oppression like Feraoun does.  I actually don't understand at all what Levi's quote means.  If someone could help me understand it I would be able to tie it historical events and tell how it helps us understand the effects of oppression.  Thank you.