Both are driven by their need to survive, but they have very different experiences. Once Solomon is forced to leave the orphanage in Russia, he is cut off from his family and his entire identity, and only moves on because his mother told him he had to survive before leaving her. In contrast, Wladyslaw Szpilman remains focused on the survival of his family and spends his time doing everything he can to ensure their survival. He only continues after they are taken on a train out of the ghetto because he believes it is God's will.