What event led to Madame Schachter's mental breakdown?

Madame Schachter's mental breakdown was significantly triggered by her seeing real flames, which symbolized the horrors of the Holocaust and the fate that awaited her and the other passengers. Throughout their harrowing journey, she began to have visions of fire, which served as a manifestation of her deep-seated fear and anxiety about the events unfolding around them. This vision foreshadowed the grim reality of the concentration camps, where flames from crematoria represented death and destruction.

Her breakdown illustrates the psychological strain faced by individuals during such traumatic experiences. While being separated from family, hearing about deportation, and witnessing violence are all traumatic events in their own right, Madame Schachter’s breakdown is particularly linked to her vivid and terrifying visions, which were a direct reflection of the imminent dangers they faced. This pivotal moment in the narrative showcases her vulnerability and serves as a powerful reminder of the terror that permeated the experience of those in transit to liberation.