Night Chapter 3 Flashcards

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?

Elie and his father lie about their ages so they are not killed for being too young or too old. Signup and view all the answers

Some of the young men want to revolt. Why don't they?

The young men were convinced not to revolt by the older men/fathers. Signup and view all the answers

What infamous person is directing the men to the left and to the right?

Dr. Mengele Signup and view all the answers

Describe why the men begin weeping and praying. Does Wiesel join in? Why or why not?

The men were weeping and praying because they thought they were going to the crematorium. Wiesel initially does not join in because he is angry at God, but he finds himself praying anyways. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the statement 'Never shall I forget that night' be significant?

This passage shows that the seven horrible things he saw that night would scar him for the rest of his life and explains the title of the book. Signup and view all the answers

For what job were the strong, sturdy men selected that first day?

They were selected to throw bodies into the crematorium. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'process' that Wiesel and the other new arrivals go through that first night and day.

They were told to strip off all their clothing, went to the barber, ran to the showers for disinfection, and then had to go through a hot shower. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wiesel thank God for mud?

Wiesel thanked God for mud because it made his shoes look dirty and allowed him to keep them. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Wiesel referring to with the 'Angel of Death,' and what 'choice' does this man give the prisoners?

Wiesel refers to an SS officer who gives the prisoners a choice between work or the crematorium. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the gypsy strike Wiesel's father and how does Wiesel react?

The gypsy struck Wiesel's father for asking where the toilet was, and Elie just sat there and watched. Signup and view all the answers

How do the prisoners get from Birkenau to Auschwitz and what are their first impressions of this new camp?

They marched from Birkenau to Auschwitz, and their first impression was that it was better than Birkenau. Signup and view all the answers

What is Wiesel referring to when he writes, 'The first human words'?

Wiesel is referring to the words their new overseer said to them when they first arrived at Auschwitz. Signup and view all the answers

What is Wiesel's number and where does he 'wear' it?

His number is A-7713, tattooed on his left arm. Signup and view all the answers

What lie does Wiesel tell Mr. Stein and why?

He tells Mr. Stein that his wife and children are doing well, even though he knows they are probably dead, to spare him from the truth. Signup and view all the answers

According to Wiesel's father, what has happened to Wiesel's mother and little sister?

He says that Wiesel's mother and sister must be in labor camps. Signup and view all the answers

How long are Wiesel and his father in Auschwitz and what do they do there?

They are in Auschwitz for 8 days, and all they did was eat and sleep. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the move to Buna.

They walked slowly for 4 hours to the new camp while the German officers were letting the girls flirt with them. Signup and view all the answers

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.