Questions and Answers
Which statement best identifies the central idea of the text?
Which passage from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
What is the meaning of 'plight' in paragraph 10?
anguish
Which quote from paragraph 10 best supports the answer to Part A?
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Why does Elie Wiesel believe indifference is the most dangerous emotion?
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Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
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How do paragraphs 15-16 contribute to the development of the text's central idea?
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Study Notes
Central Idea of the Speech
- The Holocaust serves as a powerful example of the devastating impact of indifference towards human suffering.
- Apathy can be a precursor to tragedy, illustrating humanity's neglect of those in desperate need.
Supporting Evidence
- Key quote: "During the darkest of times, inside the ghettos and death camps...we felt abandoned, forgotten." This statement reflects the profound sense of isolation experienced by victims.
Meaning of "Plight"
- The term "plight" is synonymous with anguish, capturing the deep suffering faced by individuals during crises.
Supporting Quote on "Plight"
- A poignant quote: "whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten" emphasizes the intensifying effect of neglect on suffering individuals.
Indifference as a Dangerous Emotion
- Elie Wiesel identifies indifference as the most perilous emotion because it perpetuates continued suffering without intervention or acknowledgment.
Supporting Detail on Indifference
- A compelling observation: "It is so much easier to look away from victims...Their hidden or even visible anguish is of no interest." This highlights how society often turns a blind eye to those in distress.
Contribution of Specific Paragraphs to Central Idea
- Paragraphs 15-16 illustrate America's indifference during the Holocaust through notable examples.
- The U.S. was aware of Nazi concentration camps but failed to take decisive action, leading to a flawed legacy for President Roosevelt.
- Although Roosevelt mobilized efforts against fascism and dictatorship, he neglected the immediate plight of Jewish refugees.
- Specific instance: 1,000 Jewish refugees were turned away from St. Louis and sent back to Germany, questioning Roosevelt's character as a compassionate leader.
- These details depict how both the U.S. government and its president's indifference contributed to the suffering of Jewish individuals during WWII.
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Description
Dive into the powerful themes of Elie Wiesel's speech, 'The Perils of Indifference'. This quiz will help you explore the central ideas and supporting passages that illustrate the tragedy of apathy towards human suffering. Test your understanding and reflection on historical consequences through key excerpts from the text.