Questions and Answers
What does Eliezer mean when he refers to 'our illusions'?
Elie means that they lost their illusions of having a nice life at the camps they were going to.
What is Eliezer's last memory of his mother and Tzipora?
Elie's last memory of his mother and sister is of them going into the women's line when they got to the concentration camp.
What painful, life-changing meaning do the eight words have for Wiesel?
Eliezer will never see his mother and sister again.
Why did Eliezer and his father lie about their ages?
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Some of the young men want to revolt. Why don't they?
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What infamous person is directing the men to the left and to the right?
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Describe why the men begin weeping and praying. Does Wiesel join in? Why or why not?
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Why might the statement 'Never shall I forget that night' be significant?
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For what job were the strong, sturdy men selected that first day?
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Describe the 'process' that Wiesel and the other new arrivals go through that first night and day.
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Why does Wiesel thank God for mud?
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Who is Wiesel referring to with the 'Angel of Death,' and what 'choice' does this man give the prisoners?
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Why does the gypsy strike Wiesel's father and how does Wiesel react?
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How do the prisoners get from Birkenau to Auschwitz and what are their first impressions of this new camp?
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What is Wiesel referring to when he writes, 'The first human words'?
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What is Wiesel's number and where does he 'wear' it?
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What lie does Wiesel tell Mr. Stein and why?
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According to Wiesel's father, what has happened to Wiesel's mother and little sister?
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How long are Wiesel and his father in Auschwitz and what do they do there?
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Describe the move to Buna.
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Study Notes
Eliezer's Illusions
- "Our illusions" refers to lost hopes for a better life in the camps, highlighting the grim reality they faced.
Last Memories
- Eliezer's final memory of his mother and sister involves seeing them directed into the women's line at the concentration camp, marking a painful separation.
Life-Changing Words
- The eight words signify the permanent loss of Eliezer's mother and sister, a crucial turning point in Wiesel's life.
Age Deception
- Eliezer and his father altered their ages to avoid being killed based on their young or old status upon arrival at the camp.
Revolt Suppression
- Young men considered revolt but were dissuaded by older men who urged them to maintain composure and hope.
Dr. Mengele's Role
- Dr. Mengele, infamous as the "Angel of Death," was responsible for making life-or-death decisions for the arriving prisoners.
Weeping and Praying
- The men wept and prayed believing they would be sent to the crematorium; Wiesel initially resisted joining due to anger at God but ultimately prayed.
Significance of "Never Shall I Forget"
- Wiesel's reflection on the first night illustrates profound trauma and give meaning to the title of the book, symbolizing endless suffering.
Labor Selection
- Strong men were chosen to perform the gruesome task of disposing of bodies into the crematorium.
Initial Processing
- Arrivals underwent dehumanizing processes: stripping clothing, haircuts, disinfection, and hot showers, emphasizing loss of identity.
Gratitude for Mud
- Wiesel expressed gratitude for mud as it concealed his dirty shoes, helping him retain some semblance of personal belongings.
Choice of the "Angel of Death"
- The SS officer presented prisoners with a harrowing choice: they could work or face death in the crematorium.
Gypsy's Assault
- Wiesel's father was struck by a Gypsy for asking about the restroom; Eliezer's passive reaction reflected his shock and helplessness.
Journey to Auschwitz
- Prisoners marched to Auschwitz, perceiving it as a comparatively better facility than Birkenau upon arrival.
First Human Words
- Wiesel refers to reassuring words from an overseer in Auschwitz who encouraged prisoners to persevere and support each other.
Prisoner Number
- Wiesel received the identification number A-7713, permanently tattooed on his left arm, symbolizing his loss of identity.
Deceptive Comfort
- Wiesel lied to Mr. Stein, claiming that his family was well, unable to face the truth about their likely death.
Father's Belief
- Wiesel's father suggested his wife and daughter were sent to labor camps, clinging to a semblance of hope.
Duration in Auschwitz
- Wiesel and his father spent eight days in Auschwitz, primarily focused on survival, with little else to do except eat and sleep.
Move to Buna
- The transition to Buna involved a slow four-hour walk, with female prisoners attempting to flirt with the German officers, highlighting the ongoing inhumanity.
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Description
This quiz focuses on key concepts and memories from Chapter 3 of Elie Wiesel's 'Night'. It explores significant moments and reflections of Eliezer during his harrowing experiences in the concentration camps. Prepare to delve into pivotal themes and emotional insights from this crucial chapter.