Podcast
Questions and Answers
Describe the character of Elie Wiesel in 1941, when Night opens.
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?
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?
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?
Why do you think Elie's father doesn't leave for Palestine or accept Martha's offer?
Signup and view all the answers
What early actions on the part of the Germans suggest greater danger to come?
What early actions on the part of the Germans suggest greater danger to come?
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.
In a paragraph, explain why you think more Jews did not flee when the Nazis started to appear in Sighet.
Signup and view all the answers
What does the opening of the chapter show about the Jews' understanding of their future destination?
What does the opening of the chapter show about the Jews' understanding of their future destination?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify two examples of foreshadowing in the chapter. At what future developments do you think they hint?
Identify two examples of foreshadowing in the chapter. At what future developments do you think they hint?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Madame Schächter have in common with Moshe the Beadle in the first chapter?
What does Madame Schächter have in common with Moshe the Beadle in the first chapter?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do the other passengers hit Madame Schächter and tie her up?
Why do the other passengers hit Madame Schächter and tie her up?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the 'abominable odor in the air' at Auschwitz?
What is the 'abominable odor in the air' at Auschwitz?
Signup and view all the answers
In one or two paragraphs, describe the feelings of the passengers as they take the train to Auschwitz.
In one or two paragraphs, describe the feelings of the passengers as they take the train to Auschwitz.
Signup and view all the answers
Why are the words 'Men to the left! Women to the right!' significant to Wiesel?
Why are the words 'Men to the left! Women to the right!' significant to Wiesel?
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?
What examples of figurative language describe what happens to Wiesel's life and faith on his first night at the camps?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is Elie angry with himself for failing to act when the gypsy strikes his father?
Why is Elie angry with himself for failing to act when the gypsy strikes his father?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do you think the camp policy was to tattoo numbers on prisoners instead of using their names?
Why do you think the camp policy was to tattoo numbers on prisoners instead of using their names?
Signup and view all the answers
What news do you think Stein gets from the transport that comes from Antwerp?
What news do you think Stein gets from the transport that comes from Antwerp?
Signup and view all the answers
Explain what is ironic or contradictory about the sign over the gate at Auschwitz.
Explain what is ironic or contradictory about the sign over the gate at Auschwitz.
Signup and view all the answers
Explain the irony behind the incident involving Elie's shoes.
Explain the irony behind the incident involving Elie's shoes.
Signup and view all the answers
Why do you think the Nazis allow music in the concentration camps?
Why do you think the Nazis allow music in the concentration camps?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Elie seem to feel about the Jewish French woman who pretends to be Aryan?
How does Elie seem to feel about the Jewish French woman who pretends to be Aryan?
Signup and view all the answers
What is ironic about the prisoners' attitude toward the Allied bombing of Buna?
What is ironic about the prisoners' attitude toward the Allied bombing of Buna?
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?
Why do you think Elie was more disturbed by the hanging of the pipel than by the other hangings he witnessed?
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 a one-paragraph summary of life in the concentration camps based on what you've read thus far.
Signup and view all the answers
As the Jews celebrate Jewish New Year, what happens to Elie Wiesel's faith?
As the Jews celebrate Jewish New Year, what happens to Elie Wiesel's faith?
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?
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens in the 'selections'?
What happens in the 'selections'?
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?
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?
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?
What does the other hospital patient mean when he says that he has more faith in Hitler than in anyone else?
Signup and view all the answers
Discuss the effect that being in the camp has had on Elie. How has he changed so far?
Discuss the effect that being in the camp has had on Elie. How has he changed so far?
Signup and view all the answers
What details help bring to life the setting through which the prisoners travel?
What details help bring to life the setting through which the prisoners travel?
Signup and view all the answers
How do Elie and his father keep each other alive on the forced march across the snow?
How do Elie and his father keep each other alive on the forced march across the snow?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Elie's behavior toward his father contrast with that of Rabbi Eliahou's son?
How does Elie's behavior toward his father contrast with that of Rabbi Eliahou's son?
Signup and view all the answers
How would you describe the atmosphere of the setting in which Juliek plays his violin?
How would you describe the atmosphere of the setting in which Juliek plays his violin?
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.
What effect does the Allied approach seem to have on the Nazis' efficiency? Cite details to support your answer.
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.
Based on the details in Chapters 5 and 6, evaluate the decision that Elie and his father make to leave the hospital.
Signup and view all the answers
Why do you think the German workman throws the crust of bread to the prisoners?
Why do you think the German workman throws the crust of bread to the prisoners?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the death of Meir and his father reveal about human nature?
What does the death of Meir and his father reveal about human nature?
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?
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?
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?
What is the resolution, or outcome, of the external conflict with Nazi society that Elie and his father face?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do you think Elie will always remember the face he sees in the mirror?
Why do you think Elie will always remember the face he sees in the mirror?
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?
Evaluate the Nazis' behavior as the Allied victory draws near. Why do you think they behave as they do?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.