Podcast
Questions and Answers
How could Elie have bribed the assistant to arrange for him to go with his father to a good unit?
How could Elie have bribed the assistant to arrange for him to go with his father to a good unit?
Elie could have given the assistant his shoes.
Why doesn't Elie try the bribe?
Why doesn't Elie try the bribe?
He keeps his shoes because they are his only real possession from his previous life.
Where is music played in the camp?
Where is music played in the camp?
Music is played in the orchestra block.
Why can't the musicians play Beethoven?
Why can't the musicians play Beethoven?
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Why is Elie sent to the dentist?
Why is Elie sent to the dentist?
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Why is Elie desperate to keep his tooth, and why is he unable to keep it?
Why is Elie desperate to keep his tooth, and why is he unable to keep it?
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Who beats Elie in front of the French girl and why?
Who beats Elie in front of the French girl and why?
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Why is the French girl afraid to speak to Elie?
Why is the French girl afraid to speak to Elie?
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What advice does the French girl give to Elie, and what does this show about her?
What advice does the French girl give to Elie, and what does this show about her?
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Why does Idek beat Elie's father?
Why does Idek beat Elie's father?
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Why is Elie angry at his father for getting beaten?
Why is Elie angry at his father for getting beaten?
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Why does Elie give his father 'marching lessons'?
Why does Elie give his father 'marching lessons'?
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Why does Elie laugh at Idek, and what is the result?
Why does Elie laugh at Idek, and what is the result?
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What do the air raid sirens signify?
What do the air raid sirens signify?
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Why is this a particularly dangerous time for prisoners?
Why is this a particularly dangerous time for prisoners?
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How is fear greater than hunger?
How is fear greater than hunger?
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How does the death of that one man affect Elie, and how does he react when the air raid is over?
How does the death of that one man affect Elie, and how does he react when the air raid is over?
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Who are some of the people who die on the gallows?
Who are some of the people who die on the gallows?
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What phrase do many repeat before their deaths?
What phrase do many repeat before their deaths?
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Why are people hanged rather than being shot or killed in some other way?
Why are people hanged rather than being shot or killed in some other way?
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Whose death affects Elie the most and why?
Whose death affects Elie the most and why?
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Why does Elie find the soup 'excellent' after one execution, but tasting of 'corpses' after another?
Why does Elie find the soup 'excellent' after one execution, but tasting of 'corpses' after another?
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Study Notes
Bribery and Possessions
- Elie considers bribing an assistant with his shoes to secure a better unit for himself and his father.
- He ultimately chooses to keep his shoes as they represent his last connection to his previous life.
Music in the Camp
- Music is played in the orchestra block of the camp.
- Jewish musicians are prohibited from playing German music, including Beethoven.
Dental Concerns
- Elie is sent to the dentist due to having a gold crown.
- He recognizes the crown's potential value for trade but loses it when pressured by his Kapo, Franek, who uses violence against his father as leverage.
Abuse and Survival
- Idek, in a fit of rage, beats Elie in front of a French girl, highlighting the unpredictable violence of camp life.
- The French girl advises Elie to suppress his anger, revealing her identity as a Jew and her hope for survival.
Family Dynamics
- Idek beats Elie's father for being older and slower, emphasizing the arbitrary nature of the abuse in the camps.
- Elie's frustration with his father’s beating stems from a belief that his father could have been more cautious to avoid Idek.
Marching Lessons
- To protect his father from beatings justified by his poor marching, Elie conducts marching lessons.
Consequences of Laughter
- Elie's laughter at Idek's manipulation results in severe punishment, illustrating the dangers of finding humor in dire circumstances.
Air Raids
- Air raid sirens signal American bombings, causing inmates to shelter with their guards.
- This moment is particularly perilous as it brings the guards' attention directly onto the prisoners.
Fear and Hunger
- Fear in the camp overshadows hunger, indicating that the psychological torment from guards is pervasive and debilitating.
Impact of Death
- The execution of a brave prisoner who attempts to get soup affects Elie deeply but also renews his hope for liberation upon reuniting with his father.
Executions and Reactions
- The gallows claim the lives of various prisoners, creating a spectacle meant to instill fear among the others.
- A widespread refrain, “Long live liberty! Death to Germany,” is uttered before death, showcasing a flicker of defiance.
Emotional Toll of Hangings
- Elie is profoundly impacted by the hanging of the angel-faced pipel, whose prolonged suffering embodies the cruelty of the camps, causing Elie’s perception of food to shift from “excellent” to tasting of “corpses” during this traumatic event.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore key concepts and vocabulary from pages 47-65 of 'Night' by Elie Wiesel. These flashcards will help reinforce your understanding of significant themes and moments in the narrative. Enhance your grasp of the text and its emotional depth through targeted review.