Night Chapter 8 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why is Elie angry with his father right after they debark from the train at the camp?

His father wanted to give up and be left to die.

What thoughts does Elie have concerning his father, and why does he feel ashamed?

Elie thought that it would be easier for himself if his father died, but was ashamed for thinking so of his own parent.

What is Elie's father dying of?

Dysentery.

In what ways does Elie try to help his father while he is sick?

Elie tries to get his father to a doctor and give him food. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Elie's father when he continues to ask for water?

The other inmates get mad because of his groaning and his dysentery just gets worse due to the water. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Elie means when he says, 'free at last' concerning his father's death?

Elie no longer has anyone to hold him back from taking care of himself and only himself. Signup and view all the answers

What is Elie's old fear?

Losing his father. Signup and view all the answers

How did Elie lose his father when the alerts went off?

When the alert went off he followed the mob and left his father. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't the SS officers feed the sick men?

They didn't feed them because they were going to die soon and it would be a waste of food. Signup and view all the answers

What did Elie exchange to get a cot closer to his father?

A ration of bread. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Frenchman and the Pole beating Elie's father?

Because Elie's father could not get up to relieve himself and they were getting mad. Signup and view all the answers

Why is water poison to Elie's father?

Elie's father not being able to relieve himself is why he gets beat up, and water will just make the problem worse. Signup and view all the answers

On what day was Elie's father taken to the Crematorium?

January 29. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the father/son roles have been reversed in the case of Elie and his father.

Elie is taking control of him and his father, telling him what he can and can't do and is taking care of his father as well. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Elie's father beaten?

Two others in their bunk thought he was weak and a liability. Signup and view all the answers

What does Elie think of the advice given to him by the head of his block?

That he should not be helping his father anymore because he is too weak and should not give his food to his father but instead take his father's food for himself. Signup and view all the answers

What does he mean by 'Free at last'?

His father no longer has to be inside the concentration camp fighting to stay alive every day. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elie and His Father's Relationship

Elie feels anger towards his father after arriving at the camp because his father expresses a desire to give up and die.
Thoughts of easier survival if his father died cause Elie shame, showcasing the struggle between survival instincts and familial love.
Elie's father is suffering from dysentery, a severe and debilitating illness.

Care and Support

Elie attempts to assist his father by seeking medical attention and providing him with food despite the scarcity.
Other inmates react negatively to his father's groaning for water, exacerbating his condition rather than alleviating it.

Father's Death and Emotional Impact

Elie's reflection of being "free at last" after his father's death indicates a sense of liberation from responsibility but also a deep emotional void.
His longstanding fear of losing his father becomes a harsh reality when he inadvertently leaves him during an alert, emphasizing the chaos of their situation.

Challenges Faced by the Father

The SS officers neglect feeding the sick, deeming it wasteful since they anticipate the men will die soon.
Elie exchanges his bread ration for a cot closer to his father, highlighting the sacrifices made for family bonds.
Elie's father faces physical abuse from other inmates who perceive him as weak and a liability, illustrating the brutality and loss of humanity in the camp.

Role Reversal and Survival Instincts

The father-son roles reverse as Elie takes control over his father's care, reflecting a shift in dynamics due to their dire circumstances.
Elie contemplates the advice from the head of his block to stop aiding his father, recognizing the harsh truth yet struggling with the emotional weight of it.

Reflection on Suffering

Elie's father's request for water becomes a symbol of despair, as it serves only to worsen his suffering due to his condition.
January 29 marks a pivotal date as Elie's father is taken to the Crematorium, marking a profound moment in Elie's life and illustrating the loss endured in the Holocaust.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 8 from Elie Wiesel's 'Night' with these flashcards. This quiz covers important themes and emotions faced by Elie as he navigates his harrowing experiences. Dive deep into the psychological struggles and moral dilemmas presented in this powerful chapter.