Elie Wiesel's Night - Quote Identification

Questions and Answers

Who is the speaker of the quote 'Why do you cry when you pray?'

The speaker is likely a religious figure or teacher.

They called him ______ _ _________, as if his entire life he had never had a surname.

Moshe the Beadle

What does the quote 'Man comes closer to God through the questions he asks Him' suggest?

It suggests that questioning is a fundamental part of faith and understanding.

What does the phrase 'Work makes you free' imply in the context of the Holocaust?

It implies a false promise of freedom through labor that was used by the Nazis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Elie Wiesel's statement about no longer pleading for anything during Rosh Hashanah?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What does Wiesel mean by saying 'I pinched myself: Was I still alive?'

He is expressing disbelief at the surrounding horrors and questioning his own reality. Signup and view all the answers

The little town in Transylvania where I spent my childhood was called __________.

Sighet Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'There are a thousand and one gates allowing entry into the orchard of mystical truth' mean?

It signifies that each individual has their unique path to understanding and truth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Wiesel acknowledge about the response to Auschwitz?

There may be no response. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by Wiesel's concern about 'the world forgets quickly'?

It implies a fear of losing collective memory about the Holocaust. Signup and view all the answers

How had he been able to escape? By a __________.

miracle Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Speech and Identity

Elie Wiesel emphasizes the importance of identity and the impact of losing a surname during tragic events.
Chapter 1 begins with reflections on Wiesel's childhood in Transylvania, highlighting a lost innocence amid turmoil.

Family Context

Wiesel recounts his family structure: Hilda (eldest), Bea, Elie (third and only son), and Tzipora (youngest).
Family dynamics are pivotal in understanding Wiesel's emotional and psychological struggles during his experiences.

Spiritual Inquiry

Wiesel's pursuit of Kabbalah demonstrates his deep spiritual inquiries, highlighting the struggle between faith and understanding.
Questions posed during prayer signify the search for meaning amidst suffering.

Pre-War Reality

The community's refusal to acknowledge danger, despite increasing anti-Semitic measures, illustrates a devastating delusion.
Expulsion of foreign Jews marks a significant turning point in the community’s fate.

Decrees and Restrictions

Key decrees include restrictions on movement, ownership of valuables, and identification (yellow star), showcasing the systemic oppression leading to dehumanization.

Experience of Deportation

Observations during transport reflect the surreal nature of their reality, comparing it to historical occurrences of suffering.
The dispiriting moments upon arrival at concentration camps emphasize the brutal transition from semi-liberty to captivity.

Psychological Effects

The phrase "Work makes you free" is a deceptive slogan that encapsulates the false promises of Nazi propaganda.
Wiesel's transformation into A-7713 represents the loss of personal identity, as he becomes just a number within the system.

Struggle for Faith

Wiesel's faith is deeply challenged; he equates his suffering with God's absence or injustice.
Rosh Hashanah, once a significant time of reflection, becomes overshadowed by despair and rebellion against divine justice.

Moments of Brutality

The execution of prisoners sheds light on the reality of camp life, serving as a catalyst for Wiesel’s growing nihilism.
His father's suffering and impending death add layers of personal conflict and grief to the narrative.

Liberation and Aftermath

Liberation from Buchenwald leads to a rush for basic sustenance, contrasting the horrors previously endured.
Post-liberation experiences reveal the trauma still haunting survivors, emphasizing the psychological toll.

Commitment to Memory

Wiesel views his writing as a moral obligation to keep the memories of those who perished alive, resisting erasure from history.
He boldly states that every moment and hour holds grace, inferring the significance of remembrance in healing.

Responsibility and Reflection

The speech at the Nobel Peace Prize acceptance highlights his self-doubt in representing the voices of the deceased.
Wiesel advocates for taking sides in the fight against oppression, illustrating the necessity of action over passive neutrality.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The commentary on Jewish identity, tradition, and the magnitude of atrocities committed against the Jewish people stresses the need for collective memory.
Wiesel acknowledges the challenges of articulating profound pain, underscoring language’s limitations in capturing the enormity of suffering.

Legacy of "Night"

"Night" serves as a significant literary work, gaining recognition as part of educational curriculums that confront historical injustices.
Wiesel reflects on the importance of books and narratives in fulfilling a destiny of remembrance, reminding readers of the consequences of forgetfulness.

Description

Test your knowledge of key quotes from Elie Wiesel's powerful memoir, Night. This quiz will challenge you to identify the speaker and significance behind selected quotes, deepening your understanding of the themes in the book.