Answer: Critical
Explanation:
In using the word 'oppressive', we can infer that the author is of the belief that Jews were being mistreated by those around them in the countries they stayed in.
This word therefore carries the connotation that the author is criticizing these conditions because in using the word 'oppressive', which carries a negative connotation, actions of others towards the Jews is seen in a negative light.
Elie's first impression towards Auschwitz was it was better that birkenau . he says that he saw two story cement buildings instead of wood barracks, and there was even a couple of small gardens