Night Character Analysis Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Describe the character of Elie Wiesel in 1941, when Night opens.

He is devout, thoughtful, curious, and bright, with strong ties to his family and heritage.

Based on his characterization, what is Elie's father like?

He is cultured, unsentimental, successful, respected, pious, old-fashioned, and stubborn, with strong ties to his family and heritage.

Why do you think Sighet's Jews fail to heed the warnings of Moshe the Beadle?

Moshe the Beadle is poor, foreign, and a bit odd, so people don't take him seriously. The Jews also do not want to believe the worst.

Why do you think Elie's father doesn't leave for Palestine or accept Martha's offer?

He is a respected member of the community and does not want to start over. He does not believe the Nazis present the danger they do. Signup and view all the answers

What early actions on the part of the Germans suggest greater danger to come?

Actions include shipping foreigners away, closing the synagogues, herding the Jews into two ghetto areas, and forcing them to wear yellow Stars of David. Signup and view all the answers

In a paragraph, explain why you think more Jews did not flee when the Nazis started to appear in Sighet.

Leaving a place where you have always lived is not easy, especially when you are not wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the opening of the chapter show about the Jews' understanding of their future destination?

Most have no idea of the horrors that await them. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two examples of foreshadowing in the chapter. At what future developments do you think they hint?

Madam Schächter's dream visions hint at the fiery devastation that the Jews on the train will face. The line 'Our eyes were opened, but too late' hints at the dangers. Signup and view all the answers

What does Madame Schächter have in common with Moshe the Beadle in the first chapter?

Both recognize the dangers facing the Jews, but they are viewed as crazy and are not believed. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the other passengers hit Madame Schächter and tie her up?

Her hysterical screams add to the terror and tension of the situation. Her loud rantings might bring the guards, who will punish everyone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'abominable odor in the air' at Auschwitz?

The smell of the dead being burned in the crematories. Signup and view all the answers

In one or two paragraphs, describe the feelings of the passengers as they take the train to Auschwitz.

The terror and tension of the trip, the physical discomforts and dangers, and the ignorance of the destination and danger to come. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the words 'Men to the left! Women to the right!' significant to Wiesel?

Although he does not know it, this will be the last time he ever sees his mother and younger sister Tzipora. Only those fit for work are spared death. Signup and view all the answers

What examples of figurative language describe what happens to Wiesel's life and faith on his first night at the camps?

Examples include 'turned my life into one long night,' 'those flames...consumed my faith forever,' 'murdered my God,' and 'turned my dreams to dust.' Signup and view all the answers

Why is Elie angry with himself for failing to act when the gypsy strikes his father?

He views himself as inhuman and cowardly after only a short time in the camp. It's understandable that Elie was too frightened to act. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the camp policy was to tattoo numbers on prisoners instead of using their names?

It is efficient and impersonal. It is another way of treating the prisoners as if they are not human beings. Signup and view all the answers

What news do you think Stein gets from the transport that comes from Antwerp?

His family is not alive. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what is ironic or contradictory about the sign over the gate at Auschwitz.

That while there is plenty of work, there is no liberty, and that the threat of death hangs over the inmates. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the irony behind the incident involving Elie's shoes.

He refuses to give them up in exchange for a favor and finally gives them up for nothing. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the Nazis allow music in the concentration camps?

Its contrast with the camp conditions may puzzle or upset inmates and add to their psychological torment. Signup and view all the answers

How does Elie seem to feel about the Jewish French woman who pretends to be Aryan?

She is brave and compassionate to risk discovery by being kind to Elie. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the prisoners' attitude toward the Allied bombing of Buna?

One would expect them to be frightened because they could be killed, but instead they cheer because it punishes the Germans. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Elie was more disturbed by the hanging of the pipel than by the other hangings he witnessed?

The youth's death is long and tortured, and Elie may identify with someone close to his own age. Signup and view all the answers

Write a one-paragraph summary of life in the concentration camps based on what you've read thus far.

Write about the dehumanization as well as the details of camp life and death. Signup and view all the answers

As the Jews celebrate Jewish New Year, what happens to Elie Wiesel's faith?

He has lost faith and is filled with anger and bewilderment at God for allowing the evils he has witnessed. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three biblical allusions on pages 67-68. How does Elie contrast God's acts in these biblical references with the events taking place in the concentration camp?

Allusions are made to Adam and Eve, Noah's flood, and Sodom. The allusions stress God's just intervention, and Elie tries in vain to find some similar justice or reason in what is happening at the camps. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the 'selections'?

Dr. Mengele and the SS officers select the weak prisoners who will be put to death. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Chlomo give Elie his knife and spoon? Why does Elie call them 'the inheritance'? How do you think Elie feels when he gives them back to his father?

He thinks he has been selected to die and wants his son to have them. They are the only thing of value his father can bequeath to him. He feels very relieved and joyful that his father was not selected to perish. Signup and view all the answers

What does the other hospital patient mean when he says that he has more faith in Hitler than in anyone else?

Hitler has thus far kept his terrible promises to destroy the Jews; in contrast, it seems that neither God nor anyone else has kept any promise to save them. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the effect that being in the camp has had on Elie. How has he changed so far?

Elie has lost faith but remains a loyal son. Signup and view all the answers

What details help bring to life the setting through which the prisoners travel?

Details about the snow and cold and the details about the dead and dying. Signup and view all the answers

How do Elie and his father keep each other alive on the forced march across the snow?

When Elie is tempted to give in to death, he remembers that he needs to stay alive for his father. The two wake each other up to save each other from dying. Signup and view all the answers

How does Elie's behavior toward his father contrast with that of Rabbi Eliahou's son?

The rabbi's son seems to abandon his father because he fears that the burden of supporting his weakening father will destroy them both. Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the atmosphere of the setting in which Juliek plays his violin?

The atmosphere is suffocating, bleak, gruesome, and dark. He loves music, and it has helped him survive, for it is his one bit of hope and beauty. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the Allied approach seem to have on the Nazis' efficiency? Cite details to support your answer.

They seem thrown into some confusion. Details include the chaos of the forced march and Elie's ability to create a distraction and allow his father to escape the selection process. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the details in Chapters 5 and 6, evaluate the decision that Elie and his father make to leave the hospital.

It was the wrong decision. Those who remained did not become victims of the Nazi slaughter and were soon liberated by the Allies. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the German workman throws the crust of bread to the prisoners?

He may feel pity. He may want to show contempt. He may wish to create a spectacle for other workers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the death of Meir and his father reveal about human nature?

When treated with such brutality, many people will lose their humanity in the struggle to survive. Signup and view all the answers

What internal conflict deeply troubles Elie after his father grows ill? Why do you think Elie fails to go to his father when Chlomo Wiesel calls his son at the end?

He is torn between the will to survive and the love he feels for his father; he feels guilty for leaving his father temporarily and for thinking of his father as a burden. Signup and view all the answers

What is the resolution, or outcome, of the external conflict with Nazi society that Elie and his father face?

Elie survives, but his father dies. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Elie will always remember the face he sees in the mirror?

It reflects the horror of his experiences, which will always haunt him. Signup and view all the answers

Evaluate the Nazis' behavior as the Allied victory draws near. Why do you think they behave as they do?

The Nazis' continued running of the camps is a waste of manpower. The emphasis on duty above all else suggests great fear or brainwashing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characterization of Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel, in 1941, is depicted as devout, thoughtful, curious, and bright, with strong familial and cultural ties.

Characterization of Elie's Father

Elie's father is cultured, respected, successful, devout, old-fashioned, and stubborn, maintaining close family connections.

Response to Warnings

Sighet's Jews disregard Moshe the Beadle's warnings due to his poor status and eccentricity, alongside a reluctance to accept the gravity of the situation.

Decision Against Leaving

Elie's father declines offers to leave for Palestine, valuing his community status and underestimating the Nazi threat.

Early German Actions of Danger

Initial German actions include deporting foreigners, closing synagogues, confining Jews to ghettos, and enforcing the yellow Star of David.

Reasons for Not Fleeing

Economic constraints and emotional ties to their homeland make it difficult for Jews to abandon their lives amidst rising dangers.

Jews' Perception of Death Camps

Many Jews remain unaware of the severe horrors awaiting them upon arrival at the camps.

Foreshadowing Elements

Madam Schächter's dreams foreshadow future violence, with phrases indicating the delayed realization of imminent dangers, particularly referencing Auschwitz.

Parallel of Madame Schächter and Moshe

Both characters predict the impending doom for the Jews but are dismissed as insane, highlighting disbelief in the community.

Treatment of Madame Schächter

Fellow passengers physically restrain Madame Schächter to reduce panic, fearing her cries could attract guard attention.

Abominable Odor in Auschwitz

The "abominable odor" signifies the smell of burning bodies, intensifying the camp's horrors.

Feelings During Transport to Auschwitz

Passengers experience terror, physical discomfort, and ignorance about their deadly destination during the train ride.

Significance of "Men to the left! Women to the right!"

The separation signifies a pivotal moment, as most Jews unknowingly face last separations from family; Elie and his father must appear fit for labor to survive.

Figurative Language Depicting Elie’s Change

Phrases describe Elie’s loss of faith and transformation into despair, including "murdered my God" and "turned my dreams to dust."

Self-Accusation Over Father’s Strike

Elie's anger at his inaction symbolizes the psychological toll of the camp; he feels cowardly for not defending his father, though his fear is understandable.

Tattooing Prisoners as Numbers

Nazis use numbers for efficiency and depersonalization, signifying the prisoners' loss of humanity.

Stein’s Anticipated News

Stein learns of the likely death of his family from Antwerp, reinforcing the tragic loss faced by many.

Irony of Auschwitz Gate Sign

The gate boasts of work and freedom, contrasting with the brutal reality of imprisonment and death faced by inmates.

Ironic Jew Dentist Incident

The Jewish dentist betrays his kin by stealing from Elie, showcasing the harsh survival instincts that evolve under duress.

Purpose of Music in the Camps

Music serves as a psychological tool; it contrasts the grim reality and regulates camp activities but adds to the emotional torment.

Elie's Views on the Kind Aryan Woman

He admires the Jewish woman’s bravery in risking her safety to show kindness, reflecting resilience amid adversity.

Prisoner Attitude Towards Bombing

Instead of fear, prisoners cheer the Allied bombings, seeing them as a potential to punish their oppressors and hope for liberation.

Elie's Reaction to Pipel’s Hanging

Elie is profoundly affected by the painful execution of the young pipel, identifying with the youth's suffering.

Life in Concentration Camps

Concentration camp existence is characterized by brutality, dehumanization, and ongoing death amid relentless struggles for survival.

Loss of Faith During New Year

Elie faces a crisis of faith during the Jewish New Year, filled with anger towards God for allowing atrocities.

Biblical Allusions in Elie’s Reflections

References to Adam and Eve, Noah, and Sodom highlight the contrast between perceived divine justice and the reality of suffering in the camps.

Selection Process

Dr. Mengele conducts selections, determining who will live and who will die based on perceived strength.

Symbolism of Knife and Spoon

Elie’s father gifts him a knife and spoon as an inheritance, representing survival and the last remnants of family bonds.

Faith in Hitler's Promises

A hospital patient expresses a grim faith in Hitler, reflecting the abandonment of trust in God amid unfulfilled divine promises.

Elie’s Internal Conflict

Elie grapples with survival instincts conflicting with his love for his father, feeling guilt and burden as his father weakens.

Resolution of Conflict with Nazi Society

Elie survives while his father succumbs, illustrating the tragic outcomes of the Holocaust.

Reflection on His Image

Elie’s haunting face in the mirror symbolizes the trauma and horror of his experiences, leaving a lasting impact.

Nazi Behavior as Allies Approach

Nazis display confusion and wastefulness as Allied forces near; their actions suggest fear and adherence to duty despite the circumstances.

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Description

Explore the characters in Elie Wiesel's 'Night' through these flashcards. Analyze the traits of Elie and his father as they navigate their experiences in 1941. Deepen your understanding of their personalities and familial connections in this profound narrative.