Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does Elie describe his train trip leaving Sighet?
How does Elie describe his train trip leaving Sighet?
Terrifying; brutal
What are the conditions for the Jews on the train?
What are the conditions for the Jews on the train?
Crowded; hot
What does the author say the cattle car is?
What does the author say the cattle car is?
A trap
In particular, what do the occupants of the cattle car need?
In particular, what do the occupants of the cattle car need?
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The German officer who threatens to shoot the occupants of the cattle car compares them to what animal?
The German officer who threatens to shoot the occupants of the cattle car compares them to what animal?
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According to the German officer in chapter 2, what happens to any Jews who kept their valuables?
According to the German officer in chapter 2, what happens to any Jews who kept their valuables?
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How do the German officers keep anyone from escaping from the train?
How do the German officers keep anyone from escaping from the train?
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Madame Schachter travels with...
Madame Schachter travels with...
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How does Elie know Madame Schachter so well?
How does Elie know Madame Schachter so well?
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At first, what does Madame Schachter cry and moan about?
At first, what does Madame Schachter cry and moan about?
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What is Madame Schachter's frame of mind as she screams on the cattle car?
What is Madame Schachter's frame of mind as she screams on the cattle car?
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What is the initial reaction of the men in the train car to Madame Schachter's screams?
What is the initial reaction of the men in the train car to Madame Schachter's screams?
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As the train trip continues, what does Madame Schachter scream about?
As the train trip continues, what does Madame Schachter scream about?
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After tiring of her screams, what do they finally do to quiet Madame Schachter?
After tiring of her screams, what do they finally do to quiet Madame Schachter?
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What does Madame Schachter do after the confrontation with the men on the train?
What does Madame Schachter do after the confrontation with the men on the train?
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In chapter 2, at one of the train stops, what are the occupants allowed to have?
In chapter 2, at one of the train stops, what are the occupants allowed to have?
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How does Madame Schachter react when the train begins moving again?
How does Madame Schachter react when the train begins moving again?
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How do the others in the cattle car perceive Madame Schachter?
How do the others in the cattle car perceive Madame Schachter?
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What happens to Madame Schachter as a result of the train trip?
What happens to Madame Schachter as a result of the train trip?
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What is Auschwitz?
What is Auschwitz?
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What does the name Auschwitz mean to the occupants of the cattle cars?
What does the name Auschwitz mean to the occupants of the cattle cars?
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What is Birkenau?
What is Birkenau?
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In chapter 2, what is the first thing the Jews see as the train stops before they get off?
In chapter 2, what is the first thing the Jews see as the train stops before they get off?
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Where do the flames appear to be coming from that the Jews see as they exit the train at Birkenau?
Where do the flames appear to be coming from that the Jews see as they exit the train at Birkenau?
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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.
