Night by Elie Wiesel - Train Journey

Questions and Answers

How does Elie describe his train trip leaving Sighet?

Terrifying; brutal

What are the conditions for the Jews on the train?

Crowded; hot

What does the author say the cattle car is?

A trap

In particular, what do the occupants of the cattle car need?

Water Signup and view all the answers

The German officer who threatens to shoot the occupants of the cattle car compares them to what animal?

Dogs Signup and view all the answers

According to the German officer in chapter 2, what happens to any Jews who kept their valuables?

They were shot on the spot Signup and view all the answers

How do the German officers keep anyone from escaping from the train?

If someone leaves, everyone on the train will leave Signup and view all the answers

Madame Schachter travels with...

Her husband and 2 eldest sons Signup and view all the answers

How does Elie know Madame Schachter so well?

She has often been to his house Signup and view all the answers

At first, what does Madame Schachter cry and moan about?

She cries about being separated from her family Signup and view all the answers

What is Madame Schachter's frame of mind as she screams on the cattle car?

The only comfort she finds is in unconsciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial reaction of the men in the train car to Madame Schachter's screams?

Ignored her; complained; etc. Signup and view all the answers

As the train trip continues, what does Madame Schachter scream about?

Fire Signup and view all the answers

After tiring of her screams, what do they finally do to quiet Madame Schachter?

Struck her several times on the head Signup and view all the answers

What does Madame Schachter do after the confrontation with the men on the train?

She was silent Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 2, at one of the train stops, what are the occupants allowed to have?

Water Signup and view all the answers

How does Madame Schachter react when the train begins moving again?

Fire Signup and view all the answers

How do the others in the cattle car perceive Madame Schachter?

Crazy; annoying; etc. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Madame Schachter as a result of the train trip?

Taken to the hospital for being 'mentally ill' Signup and view all the answers

What is Auschwitz?

The name of the station where the train stops Signup and view all the answers

What does the name Auschwitz mean to the occupants of the cattle cars?

Death Signup and view all the answers

What is Birkenau?

Reception center for Auschwitz Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 2, what is the first thing the Jews see as the train stops before they get off?

Fire Signup and view all the answers

Where do the flames appear to be coming from that the Jews see as they exit the train at Birkenau?

In front of them; in Birkenau; from a chimney Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Train Journey to Auschwitz

Elie's train trip from Sighet is characterized as terrifying and brutal, creating an atmosphere of fear among passengers.
Jews on the train face overcrowded and hot conditions, contributing to their distress.
The cattle car is described as a trap, highlighting their helplessness during the journey.

Needs and Threats

Occupants of the cattle car are in desperate need of water, yet their basic needs are ignored.
A German officer threatens the Jews, comparing them to dogs, dehumanizing them in the process.
The officer states that Jews retaining valuables will be shot on the spot, instilling a sense of fear and urgency.

Madame Schachter's Distress

Madame Schachter travels with her husband and two eldest sons, which adds to her emotional turmoil.
Elie has a familiarity with Madame Schachter as she has previously visited his home.
Initially, she mourns the separation from her family, expressing intense grief.

Reactions of the Train Car's Occupants

The men in the train car largely ignore Madame Schachter's screams, demonstrating their desensitization and frustration.
Over time, her cries escalate to screams of fire, foreshadowing the horrors ahead.
In an attempt to silence her, some men resort to physical violence, striking her multiple times.

Aftermath and Perceptions

Following the confrontation, Madame Schachter becomes silent, indicating her trauma.
At one train stop, the occupants are briefly allowed to receive water, a small reprieve amid suffering.
As the train resumes its journey, Madame Schachter continues to scream about fire, which others perceive as madness.

Arrival at Auschwitz

The name Auschwitz signifies death for the occupants, foreshadowing their grim fate.
Birkenau serves as the reception center for Auschwitz, introducing the Jews to the systematic extermination.
Upon arrival, the first sight the Jews witness is fire emanating from a chimney, a chilling indication of what lies ahead.

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Description

Explore the harrowing train journey to Auschwitz as depicted in Elie Wiesel's 'Night'. This quiz delves into the conditions faced by the Jews, their desperate needs, and the emotional turmoil of Madame Schachter. Understand the brutality and fear that characterized their transport to the concentration camp.