Night
Comprehension Question
PREFACE to the NEW TRANSLATION:
1.) Read the preface by Elie Wiesel. Why do you suppose Wiesel imposed a ten-tear vow of silence?
Wiesel has imposed a ten-year vow of silence because he was in a state of shock, trying to calm his emotions, feelings, and also in memory of all who passed away.
2.) Why did he have trouble finding a publisher?
HAd trouble finding a publisher because the holocaust wasn't a popular topic, it was too grotesque and morbid.
3.) What is the “devastation that will never end”?
The "devastation that will never end" was the memories, experiences, and reflections he encounter will always be embedded in his mind.
4.) What is Wiesel saying about how we can make sure that something this horrible is never repeated?
Wiesel says that something horrible should never be repeated like the Holocaust because he displayed what tragic, countless deaths of many Jews. Hopefully, he wishes to steer away from events similar to his event.
FOREWARD:
5.) Read the Foreword by Francois Mauriac. Why is Mauriac so moved by Wiesel’s book – of all the Holocaust literature he had seen?
Maurice is moved by Wiesel's autobiography from the point of view of his childhood, believing to be more authentic. The graphical memories of his experience during the Holocaust becomes more of a mystifyingly, horrific memoir.
6.) How do you explain the “inconceivable passivity” with which the Jews of Sighet yield themselves to the Nazis?
Jews are being “inconceivable passivity” because they are not a belligerent bunch as well as being controlled by fear that the nazis are going to commit a massive massacre of Jewish slaughter. Jews were being naive by letting an ambitious hope rescue them.
7.) What aspects of Wiesel’s experience does Mauriac find most disturbing?
One aspect of Wiesel’s experience does Mauriac find most disturbing was the sister and mother being burned to death. Another instance is children being hung by the gallows as well as the father is suffering consistently. Wiesel becomes skeptical of God's presence and himself how God would allow Jews being tortured. Creating an allusion of Jews dying to Jesus being crucified on the cross.
NIGHT:
8.) When and where does Elie Wiesel grow up? (city, country and time period) How old is he?
In the 1940s, Elie Wiesel is a twelve year old boy where he spent his childhood life growing up in Sighet, a small town in Transylvania.
9.) Try to picture Elie’s childhood. How is his childhood like yours and how is it different?
Elise's childhood is similar to my childhood by Elie and I being religious in our faith and how we spend most of our life studying and doing work. The difference between Elie and I is that I believe in Catholicism and I don't live in Sighet, Transylvania, whereas Elie believes in Judaism and he lives in Sighet, Transylvania.
10.) Who is “Moshe the Beadle” and why does Wiesel begin the story with him?
"Moshe the Beadle" is Elie Wiesel's mentor who teaches Jewish religion to him. Story starts off with Moshe and Beadle because Elie expresses his dedication to his religious faith.
11.) What do Eliezer’s parents and the other in the community think of Mosh?
Eliezer's parents and the other in the community judges Moshe as a poor, buffoon who is not well-respected except for Elie himself.
12.) Why does Elie spend so much time with Moshe?
Elie spends so much time with Moshe because they discuss about their Jewish faith and religion which makes Elie interested in.
13.) What is Elie’s father’s profession?
Elie's father's profession is a store owner.
14.) Is Elie’s father highly respected in the Jewish community?
Yes, Elie's father is highly respected in the Jewish community because he's asked for advice and the villagers go to him to answer their question.
15.) What has happened to Moshe that caused a great change in him?
Moshe has seen countless deaths of Jewish people. He witnessed how the German taken Jews out of town to the forest to be murdered. He saw the Germans digging ditches, and the Jews where shot and then were thrown into ditches like a burial ground. Also importantly, they burned the bodies as well as seeing an innocent baby being a practice target.
16.) How does this experience change Moshe?
Moshe's faith has changed during this experience because he no longer has faith and believes in God anymore. He has had witnessed terrible, horrific action .
17.) How does the rest of the community react when he tells them what has happened to him?
Rest of the community ignores Moshe the Beadle when he proclaims the new because they don't believe in Moshe. Town would think that this is one of his delusional stories that he's making everything up for the attention of it.
18.) The Jews of Sighet are optimistic because of the news they hear on the radio in late 1942 and 1943. What is the news and why are they so optimistic?
The Jews of Sighet are optimistic because the news of the daily bombing of Germany and Stalingrad and the second front.They think these are just political issues and their little town is not involved in this discussion. Believes that Hitler catastrophe is going to die out and they are going to be rescued.
19.) With an ironic tone, Wiesel says, “Besides, people were interested in everything – in strategy, in diplomacy, in politics, in Zionism – but not their own fate.” What does he mean?
The quote is ironic because the elder are distressed about what's going on in the world except for themselves which they don't understand that they could be the next victims murdered. The elders believe that they are exempted from the situation.
20.) Berkovitz brings news from Budapest that anti-Semitism (hostility or discrimination against Jews) war is rampant. Why then, is “optimism soon revived”?
"Optimism soon revived" because the Germans will stay in budapest. They believe the Germans can't advance into Trannsylvania, and they consider themselves safe and exempted from the situation.
21.) Why do “the optimists rejoiced” even three days after the German soldiers appear in Sighet?
"The optimists rejoiced" regardless of the German Soldiers appear in Sighet, they are creating a friendly atmosphere being polite to them and using their manners. For instance, A German gave a box of chocolates to a lady.
22.) Why is celebrating Passover like playing a “comedy”?
Celebrating Passover like playing a "comedy" because celebrating the holiday is a joke because all the attention is going to the Germans. The Germans are the cause of the distraction for the Jewish holiday to commence.
23.) What does the following mean? “On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose.”
"On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose" defines as Germans are abusing their power and arrest the Jewish leader in Sighet. The atmosphere in the Jewish community faded away and turned into a hostile take over.
24.) Name the decrees (laws) the Germans put into place.
The decrees(Laws) the Germans demanded...
- Jews needed to give their valuable possessions to the Germans
-Jews had to dwell in their homes for three days
-Jews had to wear a yellow star to symbolize they were Jewish
-Can't leave to eat
-Can't travel by train
-Can't attend Church
-Jews had a curfew of can't go out past six o' clock at night
25.) Describe the ghettos.
Ghettos - Surrounded by barbed wires, there are two ghettos in Sighet where Jews can govern themselves instead of the Nazis themselves.
26.) How do the Jews of Sighet generally feel about the ghettos?
Generally, the Jews of Sighet feel that the uprising of the Ghettos are good thing because they the villager are living among themselves as a community. They believe that the Ghettos are places that exclude the German Nazis hostile environment.
27.) Why do the Jews of Sighet think they are being deported and why is their destination kept secret from them?
Jews of Sighet believe they are being deported because they are too close to the front lines. They think they're going to be garunteed protection by being transported to Hungary by doing manual labor in brick houses.
28.) How could the Jews of Sighet have possibly escaped from the Germans?
The Jews of Sighet could possibly escaped from the Germans without them being noticed out by leaving earlier when listening to the story of Moshe the Beadle.
29.) How do they prepare for deportation?
They prepare for deportation by bringing valuable possession including the essential survival pack of a backpack, food, and a few belongings of their clothes.
30.) Why is there “joy” when the signal finally comes for them to leave?
There is "joy" when the signal finally comes for their departure because it's better when the line has had finally advance rather than being stranded on the streets enduring the hot, sweaty sun.
31.) How does Elie feel as he watches the procession or deportees?
Elie feels as he watches the procession or deportees nostalgically because he's watching all the people he remembered and experienced from memories.
32.) Who offers Elie and his family safe refuge?
Maria, a maid, offers Elie and his family a safe refuge.
33.) Why doesn’t Elie’s father accept the offer?
Elie's father doesn't accept the offer, for he still cherished his relationship with the Jewish community because he was once a favored person to the villagers who would answers their questions as if he was an elder.
34.) On what day of the week is the family expelled and why is this ironic?
Saturday is the day of the week the family is expelled which can be ironic because when they decided to rest, next thing you know they are forced against their will to travel to a Nazis German camp.
35.) They spend 24 hours in a synagogue. What are the conditions like? Give examples.
Spending 24 hours in a synagogue, the conditions of the being habitable was terrible and messy. For instance, the altar was shattered, and the walls coverings were torn, tattered, and shredded. Separated by gender, the men staying downstairs while woman staying upstairs.
36.) How are the Jews moved out of Sighet?
Jews moved out of Sighet by traveling into a cattle car, where a cattle car would approximately have 80 people in a single car.
37.) Why do you suppose no one tries to escape?
No one tries to escape because they fear death of being shot or torture.
38.) Why does the Hungarian lieutenant move among the prisoners with a basket?
The Hungarian lieutenant move among the prisoners with a basket because he wanted to take their prized possessions such as gold and silver.
39.) What actions do “those who no longer wished to taste the bitterness of terror” take?
The actions that the Jews take were trying to calm down Mrs. Schachter down and taking the course of action to defend her.
40.) Who is Madame Schachter and why is she so upset?
Madame Schachter, a Jewish lady, she's upset because she was separated from her husband and two sons; however, she only has one son with her.
41.) How do the others treat her and why?
Others treated her by tying her up and gagging her so they can't hear her panicky voice screaming anymore. They treated her like this because her emotions were being contagious to everyone in the cattle car.
42.) What is the first thing the prisoners see when they got to Birkenau?
First ting the prisoners see when they got to Birkenau is they see the chimney, smoke and fire rising from the hole top.
43.) What do they smell?
They smell burning flesh, which they can assume bodies are being burnt.
44.) Who are the SS men?
The SS men are soldiers of the German army who are placed at the interment camp.
45.) How do Elie and his father get separated from Mother and Tzipora?
Elie and his father get separated from Mother and Tzipora because the lines were formed and has been separated by gender.
46.) What is Elie’s last memory of them?
Elie's last memory of the mother and Tzipora is when his mother strokes Tzipora's hair.
47.) Why do some of the younger men want to attempt an escape?
The younger men makes attempts to escape because they don't want their death by being burnt from a crematorium.
48.) Why don’t they go through with it?
Elders persuaded them to not cause a revolt, but rather be optimistic.
49.) What lies do Elie and his father tell to Dr. Mengale and why?
Elie ad his father lies to Dr. Mengale by lying about their age and occupation because he won't discover their real identity.
50.) Why does Elie’s father wish Elie has gone with his mother and why is this ironic?
Elie's father wish Elie has gone with his mother because he would be safer in the parental figure of a warm, caring, and tender mother as well as he didn't want to see his only son perish. This becomes ironic because his father kind wished he could've taken refuge when he was offered.
51.) What do you suppose Elie would say to those who claim that innocent children were not murdered during the Holocaust?
Elie would possibly say the children would be murdered because he witnessed children and babies being thrown into the fire and people and families being killed.
52.) What is the Kaddish and why doesn’t’ Elie join his father in reciting it?
kaddish - a respectful prayer to the dead. Elie doesn't join his dad in reciting the ritual because he has his own faith and beliefs. Elie considers a superstition if they pray, then he believes they are going to die. In addition, he does not recite the prayer for his belief in survival.
53.) How do the prisoners who are already in the barracks treat the newcomers?
The prisoner who are already in the barracks treat the newcomers by demanding orders from them, harm and hit the newcomers, and the original prisoners bully the others.
54.) What are Elie and the others ordered to do?
Elie and the others are ordered to strip down their clothes while holding on to their shoes and belts. In addition, they are given orders to attend a barber shop and shave their heads.
55.) How does Elie change by the end of the first night? (physically, emotionally, and spiritually)
Elie changes by the end of the first night because he believes he lost his soul, gave upon hope, and doubts God and his respect for faith and thinks to himself why is this happening.
56.) How does Elie keep his his shoes from the “Kapos” at first?
Elie keep his shoes from the "Kapos" because his shoes was covered in mud, so the mud made the shoes appear dirty and older.
57.) According to the SS officer, what is the only way to avoid the furnaces?
According to the SS officers, the only way to avoid the furnaces was to either do manual labor or the option to go to the furnace.
58.) Why does the gypsy strike Elie’s father and how does Elie react?
The gypsy strikes Elie's father because Elie's father asks to go the the bathroom. Elie reacts by standing motionless because he's controlled by fear and has been petrified of the situation. Also importantly, he's in a state of mental shock as well as wanting to survive, or he no longer has his soul anymore.
59.) To what new camp are the prisoners taken?
The prisoners are being transported from Birkenau to Aushwitz.
60.) Who is in charge of the block and what is his advice?
The person in charge of the block is a young polish guy, and the advice he recommends is to assist each other.
61.) How does Elie become “A-7713”?
Germans use tattooed number for every Jew in roll call because they don't wan't to remember each and everyone's names. A-7713 is the code that represents Elie for roll call.
62.) Describe “roll call”.
Roll call - an orchestra that attends a theater to play classical music. Regarding to roll call, thousands of prisoners are lined up in the correct order so no one is missing.
63.) Who is Stein and why does Elie lie to him?
Stein is a relative of Elie's father. Elie lies to Stein because he tries to encourage him and give hope, so he doesn't need to look to him and his father for guidance anymore.
64.) Why does Stein stop coming to see Elie?
Stein stops coming to see Elie because he had realized all along that Elie had lied to him about his family. Stein has lost all hope when he notices his presence of his family missing when he searches for them.
65.) Akiba Drumer believes that God is testing the Jews and that this punishment they are enduring is actually a sign of love. What does Elie think of this theory?
Elie believes that his theory is fake, and he starts to doubt God o how come he would test them.
66.) How could Elie have bribed the assistant to arrange for him to go with his father to a “good unit”?
Elie could have bribed the assistant by giving the boy his shoes away to him.
67.) Why doesn’t he try the bribe?
Elie does not try to bribe him because his shoes are one of his most precious belongings that are worth keeping to him. Another part of perspective when he can keep his promise of the bribe.
68.) Where is music played in the camp?
The music is being played when entering of the camp naming the entrance the first block.
69.) Why can’t the musicians play Beethoven?
The musician can't play Beethoven because they are being restricted to be playing any German Music, in which, Beethoven is a German composer.
70.) Why is Elie sent to the dentist?
Elie is sent to the dentist because to get his gold tooth extracted.
71.) Why is he so desperate to keep his tooth and why doesn’t he succeed in keeping it?
Elie is desperate to keep his tooth because he has an opportunity to sell it, or in exchange for an equal item. The reason why he couldn't succeed in retrieving it because it is extracted.
72.) Who beats Elie in front of the French girl and why?
Idek beats him because he's Jewish.
73.) Why is she afraid to speak to him?
She is afraid of speaking to him because she is paralyzed with fear of instigating more violence.
74.) What advice does she give to Elie and what does this show about her?
The advice she gives to Elie is to hold in his anger and hold in his rage displaying there will be a day when he can unleash all his rage.
75.) Why does Idek beat Elie’s father?
Idek beats Elie's father because he's not working hard enough.
76.) Why is Elie angry at his father for getting beaten?
Elie is angry at his father for getting beat up for not keeping up with his workload.
77.) Why does Elie give his father “marching lessons”?
His father cannot march in place, Franek beats Elie's dad because Elie did not give back the crown.
78.) Why does Elie laugh at Idek and what is the result?
taking advantage of the woman. Ridiculous, to send the whole group away to hook up with one girl.
79.) What do the air raid sirens signify?
signfy bombing airstrike.
80.) Why is this a particularly dangerous time for prisoners?
This is a particularly dangerous time for prisoners because the prisoners are left to defend from themselves. SS officer have a underground bunker. Prisoner doesn't have any protection.
81.) How is “Fear stronger than hunger”?
"Fear stronger than hunger" because the fear of death is greater than to take the cauldron. Giving their life away for soup.
82.) How does the death of that one man affect Elie and how does he react when the air raid is over?
The death that one man affect elie because the guy goes for soup and the outcome is he gets shot. Doesn't affect him because a guy dying is like a regular day.
83.) Who are some of the people who die on the gallows?
One of the people who dies on the gallows is a young boy from Warsaw. The pipel is hung from stealing weapons, or arms.
84.) What phrase so many repeat before their deaths?
"Long live liberty" is the phrase that has been repeated before their deaths.
85.) Why are people hanged rather than being shot or killed some other way?
People are hanged rather that being shot and killed because being hung is more torturous and gruesome. You can see the display of the breath being taken out of the victim of hanging. Their life being taken out in a very slow and painful way.
86.) Whose death affects Elie the most and why?
The death that mostly affects Elie is the death of pipel. Pipel was only a little boy, and even the Kapo didn't want him to be executed. His death, makes him question his own faith asking himself what kind of God would permit this.
87.) Why does Elie find the soup “excellent” after one execution, but tasting of “corpses” after another?
Elie finds the soup "excellent" after one execution, but tasting of "corpses" after another because he founded the soup excellent because the execution was an ordinary routine whereas the second execution tasted like corpses because Elie noticed that the Nazis have no boundary for who they kill. He considers himself as one of the inmates being hung on the Gallows.
88.) What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year.
89.) Why do you suppose even “Kapos, functionaries of death” come to the Rosh Hashanah service?
Kapos attended to the Rosh Hashanah service, for a reason is they are supervising in which they are providing protection. Another reason is they came to participate in the event reflecting on the year.
90.) What is going through Elie’s mind?
Elie's mind is going through a loss of hope and faith. Feels lonely that God is not their to protect feeling defenseless and a body soulless. Elie is doubting himself about his faith in which questioning why would God allow this happen in the world.
91.) Is Elie in the minority when he “rebelled” inwardly and why does he call the place where the Kews meet to pray a “mirage”?
Jews consider that they are perceiving hope itself, but actually joking themselves.
92.) What does Elie mean when he says of his father, “We had never understood each other so clearly”?
What he meant by "We had never understood each other so clearly is that they love each other as a father-son relationship. They are blessed to see each other, but also with an account of being afraid
93.) What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a day of atonement, a time where Jewish people fast from meat.
94.) Why doesn’t Elie fast?
Elie doesn't fast because it's a sense of rebellion as well as hunger got the best of his temptations. He questioning God why would he fast when he is dying out of starvation.
95.) What is the “fine New Year’s gift” the SS gives the prisoners?
The "fine New Year's gift" the SS gives the prisoners is the Selection.
96.) What advice does Elie get from the head of the block about avoiding selection?
The advice that Elie gets from the head of the block about avoiding selection is to warm up, run as fast he can, and to never look back, only forward.
97.) What does Wiesel mean when he says, as the prisoners stand naked, “This must show how one stands at the last judgment”?
This is a judgement determining going to heaven or hell. If you pass, you live; however, fail and you pass away.
98.) What is Dr. Mengele’s attitude during the “selection”?
Dr. Mengele's attitude during the "selection" is considering the act as a game in which he smirks.
99.) What are Elie’s thoughts as he goes through the “race”?
Elie's thoughts as he goes to the "race" are his head encounters a little dizziness, and he considers himself too skinny and weak putting this into his mindset throughout the whole race.
100.) What sorts of “presents” and “inheritance” gifts does Wiesel’s father give Elie and why?
The presents and inheritance he has received from his father is half a ration of bread and a piece of rubber. Bread is to help him satisfy his hunger as well as giving Elie a knife and a spoon.
101.) Why does Elie return them to his father?
Elie returns the items from his father to him because he doesn't need the inheritance. He is not going to take the possessions from his father unless his father has some strength left. If Elie keeps the inheritance, then possibly his father could have died.
102.) What does this show about how life changes when mere survival is a struggle?
You need survival equipment to sustain and endure the outside world. The items Elie received were essential necessities in order to be alive.
103.) What happens to many of the prisoners when they lose faith?
When prisoners lose their faith, they lose the incentives to fight or retaliate. They are being given to selections.
104.) Why does Wiesel tell the story of Akiba Dumer – and how everyone forgets to say the Kaddish for him?
WIesel tells the story of Akiba Dumer because he is an example of they lost their faith, brotherhood, and Jewish religion.
105.) How does Wiesel end up in the hospital?
Elie ends up in the hospital because his foot started to swell by an infection or something else.
106.) What decision is Wiesel faced with while he is in the hospital?
The decision the Wiesel has encountered if he should leave and go away or if he should remain.
107.) What is Elie’s choice and why does he choose this option?
Elie's made his decision clear by staying because he doesn't trust his neighbor in he is not able to trust anyone anymore. Elie likes the fact that there is no bell and roll call.
108.) Why is the camp being evacuated?
The camp has been evacuated because the Red army is headings towards their destination which the war is quickly approaching towards the concentration camps.
109.) Why do the prisoners want the Russians to arrive first?
Prisoners want the Russians to arrive first because of the protection and liberation. If they don't rescue them, then you can consider them dead.
110.) What is meant by the question the prisoners ask: “were they (SS) going to let the Jews hear the twelfth stroke sound?”
Everyone was suppose to die on the stroke of midnight. The inmates ask the SS officers because they want to witness if they were going to decide if they were going to die or not.
111.) How does the “face of the camp” change on the morning of the evacuation?
The "face of camp" change the morning on evacuating by getting more food, clothing, turning the mood into a free-for-all survival.
112.) Why does the head of the block order the prisoners to clean the floor, and how do you think the prisoners feel about this task?
The head of the block order the prisoners to clean the floor because to make the Russian soldier rethink as they arrive, they were men before. Regardless of being inmates taking care of themselves, they are being treated as men. Creating a sense irony because before they were being treated as animals.
113.) Reread the description of the evacuation at the end of the chapter. Why does the author choose to use a series of short sentences in this passage? What is the effect?
Wiesel has written a series of short sentences in the passage so the reader can relate to the characters going through, and the effect happens so quickly that gives you sense an urgency.
114.) What does Wiesel mean by the observations of the SS men “Their fingers on the triggers, they did not deprive themselves of this pleasure”?
Someone would get shot if they stopped running or slows down. The fingers on the triggers suggest that the SS officers have more overwhelming power against them. The prisoners can decide life or death when messing with the SS officers.
115.) What is sadism and where do you see evidence of it in the novel?
Sadism in an another interpretation for to be sadistic where as sadistic finds pleasure in pain. Sadisitic people make other be injured or harmed. For instance, not feeding the sick. Another instance, is when Idek randomly beats up people. Lastly, the doctor doesn't even bother to aid Elie's father when he is on the brink of death.
116.) What happens to Zalman?
Zalman has stomach pains which he pulls his pants down to relieve the tress; however, it doesn't make it feel any better. Later, he gets run over and stampeded by other prisoners behind him assuming he dies.
117.) In what way are Wiesel and the other Jews who keep rushing onward “masters of nature” -then in the morning “without strength, without illusions”?
Wiesel and the other Jews were "masters of nature" because they have gone through so much that they become strong against abuse and the harsh environment. Then in the morning, they were without strength because they were running all night and became exhausted after the harsh run.
118.) How do Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive?
Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive by keeping each other awake so they don't sleep.
119.) Why does Wiesel tell the story of Rabbi Eliahou?
Wiesel tells the story of Rabbi Eliahou it depicts a similarity between his father and him. Into a morale dilemma in where he ditches or remains with his father?
120.) Why is he glad that the rabbi “should continue to look for his beloved son”?
He is glad that the rabbi "should continue to look for his beloved son" because they know they are lost, regardless, they would still search for each other. Peace of mind when they are looking for each other even though the are lost. Overall, they still care about each other and love each other.
121.) Why do you think that “sons abandoned their fathers’ remains without a tear”?
the 'sons abandoned their fathers' like that because of them holding them back, or they are used to seeing it.
122.) How does Wiesel avoid suffocation?
Wiesel avoid suffocation when separating the bodies and makes himself a hole to breath through.
123.) Why does Wiesel think he is hallucinating?
Wiesel believes he has been hallucinating because he hears the violin where he naturally considers he is hearing sounds.
124.) Why is Juliek playing his violin in this terrible situation?
Juliek is playing his violin in this terrible situation because for his fellow comrades and does it for the final song for himself and the dead which he believe he is going to die, so he wants to die happily.
125.) What happens to Juliek
Juliek does die, but doesn't state how assuming that they were not allowed to play German Music. The outcome could have been shotby the SS officer, but it doesn't state how.
126.) How does Wiesel’s father avoid being “selected” at Gleiwitz and why does Wiesel run after him to the left?
Through the crowd, Elie chases for his has father, and moves him to the right. He runs to his father because he is afraid he will be separated from him. Elie wants his father to remain alive by avoiding to stay in the left.
127.) How does Wiesel convey a sense of hopelessness in this final section of the book?
Wiesel conveys a sense of hopelessness by awaiting to die and describing their condiions. Spend one night after another in torture for the sake of dying.
128.) Why do the two men try to throw Wiesel’s father from the carriage?
The two men try to throw Wiesel's father from the carriage because he seemed dead, but he was breathing barely.
129.) Why do the living “rejoice” when the order comes to throw out the corpses?
They rejoice because throwing out the corpses provides more space.
130.) What is the author trying to say about the prisoners at this point?
Author is trying to convey in this point is that they are awaiting to die spending one night after another in torture.
131.) How do the prisoners in the wagon act like animals?
The prisoners in the wagon act like animals by strangling each other, such as a crumb drops on a floor, they flourish to that one spot.
132.) Why do the German workmen take a “lively interest in this spectacle” when they have merely stopped and stared at marching prisoners before?
The German workmen take a "lively interest in this spectacle" when they have merely stopped because it's their way of humiliating the prisoners with no empathy.
133.) Why doesn’t Wiesel join in this scramble for food?
Wiesel doesn't join in this scramble for food because he knows he does not he has the strength to brawl for a piece of bread.
134.) How are Meir and his son similar to other fathers and sons Wiesel describes?
Meir and his son are similar to the other because they are providing fatherly love and loyalty when child turns to greed. In the wagon, it was the son's or father's fault for them dying just for the bread.
135.) What is the author saying about how the concentration camp affects the bonds between loved ones?
Author says about how concentration camps can affect bonds between loved ones for the father and son become closer because they need each other to survive. Another reason is the father or son either has to survive on their own because they can't take care of each other.
136.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz saves Elie Wiesel's life by preventing the attacker from suffocating Elie.
137.) What advice does Wiesel’s father give Katz in an attempt to save him?
Wiesel's father adivce for Katz is to not give up telling him to not resist and not to lose faith in himself.
138.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz saves Elie Wiesel's life by preventing the attacker from suffocating Elie.
139.) Why is it that Wiesel “could have wept with rage” when his father begs for rest upon arrival at Buchenwald?
Wiesel had wept with rage because he believes his father is slowly dying not maintaining survival any longer, and slowly losing his life up on Wiesel. Elie becomes upset because all the suffering they endured is for nothing.
140.) Why does Elie feel that he is arguing “with death itself”?
Elie feels that he is arguing "with death itself" because it seems that his father can't live anymore and wants to die while Elie argues with him to keep living.
141.) Why does Wiesel leave his father when the sirens wail, and how does he feel about this later?
Elie leaves his father when the sirens wail because he is trying to rescue himself which he is no longer able to take care of himself anymore. His bunk inmates are complaining about Elie's father saying he's dying. Elie turns upset because he was helpless to help or protect him.
142.) Is his father angry at Elie for deserting him?
Elie father is not angry for deserting him because the father has already accepted his fate, but wants Elie to survive.
143.) What emotions does Wiesel experience that last week as he watches his father die?
Elie is afraid that his father is going to die feeling the guilt of helplessness. His bunk inmates are complaining about Elie's father saying he's dying. Elie turns upset because he was helpless to help or protect him.
144.) Why does Wiesel decide to be an “invalid”?
Wiesel decide to be "invalid" because he wants to stay with the comfort of his father knowing his fate. Elie just want to be with his father and take care of him.
145.) Why doesn’t he see his father die and why doesn’t he cry?
HIs father is being burnt to death by the crematorium, In according to the text, can't shed a tear because he couldn't anymore.
146.) What are Wiesel’s thoughts during the months after his father’s death?
Eile was concerned about the well-being of himself now because he didn't show tears for his father's death.
147.) What would have happened if the children had gone to the assembly place, as ordered?
If the children could gone to the assembly place, as ordered, then they could all have been massacred. The inmates told them to go to the block and hide.
148.) Why do the SS men flee the camp?
The SS men flee from the camp because the resistance have arrived and the first American Tank came.
149.) What is Wiesel finally freed?
Wiesel is finally freed when the American force came and shows up at gate of Buchenweld.
150.) Why is Wiesel sent to a hospital after his liberation?
Elie is sent to the hospital after liberation is because he encountered a condition of poison.
151.) The book ends with a haunting sense of hollowness. Why do you think the author ends with this tone?
The author had ended the tone with hollowness because he can never forget the experience he has been through the entire holocaust. The memories and violence becomes embedded into his mind.
1.) Read the preface by Elie Wiesel. Why do you suppose Wiesel imposed a ten-tear vow of silence?
Wiesel has imposed a ten-year vow of silence because he was in a state of shock, trying to calm his emotions, feelings, and also in memory of all who passed away.
2.) Why did he have trouble finding a publisher?
HAd trouble finding a publisher because the holocaust wasn't a popular topic, it was too grotesque and morbid.
3.) What is the “devastation that will never end”?
The "devastation that will never end" was the memories, experiences, and reflections he encounter will always be embedded in his mind.
4.) What is Wiesel saying about how we can make sure that something this horrible is never repeated?
Wiesel says that something horrible should never be repeated like the Holocaust because he displayed what tragic, countless deaths of many Jews. Hopefully, he wishes to steer away from events similar to his event.
FOREWARD:
5.) Read the Foreword by Francois Mauriac. Why is Mauriac so moved by Wiesel’s book – of all the Holocaust literature he had seen?
Maurice is moved by Wiesel's autobiography from the point of view of his childhood, believing to be more authentic. The graphical memories of his experience during the Holocaust becomes more of a mystifyingly, horrific memoir.
6.) How do you explain the “inconceivable passivity” with which the Jews of Sighet yield themselves to the Nazis?
Jews are being “inconceivable passivity” because they are not a belligerent bunch as well as being controlled by fear that the nazis are going to commit a massive massacre of Jewish slaughter. Jews were being naive by letting an ambitious hope rescue them.
7.) What aspects of Wiesel’s experience does Mauriac find most disturbing?
One aspect of Wiesel’s experience does Mauriac find most disturbing was the sister and mother being burned to death. Another instance is children being hung by the gallows as well as the father is suffering consistently. Wiesel becomes skeptical of God's presence and himself how God would allow Jews being tortured. Creating an allusion of Jews dying to Jesus being crucified on the cross.
NIGHT:
8.) When and where does Elie Wiesel grow up? (city, country and time period) How old is he?
In the 1940s, Elie Wiesel is a twelve year old boy where he spent his childhood life growing up in Sighet, a small town in Transylvania.
9.) Try to picture Elie’s childhood. How is his childhood like yours and how is it different?
Elise's childhood is similar to my childhood by Elie and I being religious in our faith and how we spend most of our life studying and doing work. The difference between Elie and I is that I believe in Catholicism and I don't live in Sighet, Transylvania, whereas Elie believes in Judaism and he lives in Sighet, Transylvania.
10.) Who is “Moshe the Beadle” and why does Wiesel begin the story with him?
"Moshe the Beadle" is Elie Wiesel's mentor who teaches Jewish religion to him. Story starts off with Moshe and Beadle because Elie expresses his dedication to his religious faith.
11.) What do Eliezer’s parents and the other in the community think of Mosh?
Eliezer's parents and the other in the community judges Moshe as a poor, buffoon who is not well-respected except for Elie himself.
12.) Why does Elie spend so much time with Moshe?
Elie spends so much time with Moshe because they discuss about their Jewish faith and religion which makes Elie interested in.
13.) What is Elie’s father’s profession?
Elie's father's profession is a store owner.
14.) Is Elie’s father highly respected in the Jewish community?
Yes, Elie's father is highly respected in the Jewish community because he's asked for advice and the villagers go to him to answer their question.
15.) What has happened to Moshe that caused a great change in him?
Moshe has seen countless deaths of Jewish people. He witnessed how the German taken Jews out of town to the forest to be murdered. He saw the Germans digging ditches, and the Jews where shot and then were thrown into ditches like a burial ground. Also importantly, they burned the bodies as well as seeing an innocent baby being a practice target.
16.) How does this experience change Moshe?
Moshe's faith has changed during this experience because he no longer has faith and believes in God anymore. He has had witnessed terrible, horrific action .
17.) How does the rest of the community react when he tells them what has happened to him?
Rest of the community ignores Moshe the Beadle when he proclaims the new because they don't believe in Moshe. Town would think that this is one of his delusional stories that he's making everything up for the attention of it.
18.) The Jews of Sighet are optimistic because of the news they hear on the radio in late 1942 and 1943. What is the news and why are they so optimistic?
The Jews of Sighet are optimistic because the news of the daily bombing of Germany and Stalingrad and the second front.They think these are just political issues and their little town is not involved in this discussion. Believes that Hitler catastrophe is going to die out and they are going to be rescued.
19.) With an ironic tone, Wiesel says, “Besides, people were interested in everything – in strategy, in diplomacy, in politics, in Zionism – but not their own fate.” What does he mean?
The quote is ironic because the elder are distressed about what's going on in the world except for themselves which they don't understand that they could be the next victims murdered. The elders believe that they are exempted from the situation.
20.) Berkovitz brings news from Budapest that anti-Semitism (hostility or discrimination against Jews) war is rampant. Why then, is “optimism soon revived”?
"Optimism soon revived" because the Germans will stay in budapest. They believe the Germans can't advance into Trannsylvania, and they consider themselves safe and exempted from the situation.
21.) Why do “the optimists rejoiced” even three days after the German soldiers appear in Sighet?
"The optimists rejoiced" regardless of the German Soldiers appear in Sighet, they are creating a friendly atmosphere being polite to them and using their manners. For instance, A German gave a box of chocolates to a lady.
22.) Why is celebrating Passover like playing a “comedy”?
Celebrating Passover like playing a "comedy" because celebrating the holiday is a joke because all the attention is going to the Germans. The Germans are the cause of the distraction for the Jewish holiday to commence.
23.) What does the following mean? “On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose.”
"On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose" defines as Germans are abusing their power and arrest the Jewish leader in Sighet. The atmosphere in the Jewish community faded away and turned into a hostile take over.
24.) Name the decrees (laws) the Germans put into place.
The decrees(Laws) the Germans demanded...
- Jews needed to give their valuable possessions to the Germans
-Jews had to dwell in their homes for three days
-Jews had to wear a yellow star to symbolize they were Jewish
-Can't leave to eat
-Can't travel by train
-Can't attend Church
-Jews had a curfew of can't go out past six o' clock at night
25.) Describe the ghettos.
Ghettos - Surrounded by barbed wires, there are two ghettos in Sighet where Jews can govern themselves instead of the Nazis themselves.
26.) How do the Jews of Sighet generally feel about the ghettos?
Generally, the Jews of Sighet feel that the uprising of the Ghettos are good thing because they the villager are living among themselves as a community. They believe that the Ghettos are places that exclude the German Nazis hostile environment.
27.) Why do the Jews of Sighet think they are being deported and why is their destination kept secret from them?
Jews of Sighet believe they are being deported because they are too close to the front lines. They think they're going to be garunteed protection by being transported to Hungary by doing manual labor in brick houses.
28.) How could the Jews of Sighet have possibly escaped from the Germans?
The Jews of Sighet could possibly escaped from the Germans without them being noticed out by leaving earlier when listening to the story of Moshe the Beadle.
29.) How do they prepare for deportation?
They prepare for deportation by bringing valuable possession including the essential survival pack of a backpack, food, and a few belongings of their clothes.
30.) Why is there “joy” when the signal finally comes for them to leave?
There is "joy" when the signal finally comes for their departure because it's better when the line has had finally advance rather than being stranded on the streets enduring the hot, sweaty sun.
31.) How does Elie feel as he watches the procession or deportees?
Elie feels as he watches the procession or deportees nostalgically because he's watching all the people he remembered and experienced from memories.
32.) Who offers Elie and his family safe refuge?
Maria, a maid, offers Elie and his family a safe refuge.
33.) Why doesn’t Elie’s father accept the offer?
Elie's father doesn't accept the offer, for he still cherished his relationship with the Jewish community because he was once a favored person to the villagers who would answers their questions as if he was an elder.
34.) On what day of the week is the family expelled and why is this ironic?
Saturday is the day of the week the family is expelled which can be ironic because when they decided to rest, next thing you know they are forced against their will to travel to a Nazis German camp.
35.) They spend 24 hours in a synagogue. What are the conditions like? Give examples.
Spending 24 hours in a synagogue, the conditions of the being habitable was terrible and messy. For instance, the altar was shattered, and the walls coverings were torn, tattered, and shredded. Separated by gender, the men staying downstairs while woman staying upstairs.
36.) How are the Jews moved out of Sighet?
Jews moved out of Sighet by traveling into a cattle car, where a cattle car would approximately have 80 people in a single car.
37.) Why do you suppose no one tries to escape?
No one tries to escape because they fear death of being shot or torture.
38.) Why does the Hungarian lieutenant move among the prisoners with a basket?
The Hungarian lieutenant move among the prisoners with a basket because he wanted to take their prized possessions such as gold and silver.
39.) What actions do “those who no longer wished to taste the bitterness of terror” take?
The actions that the Jews take were trying to calm down Mrs. Schachter down and taking the course of action to defend her.
40.) Who is Madame Schachter and why is she so upset?
Madame Schachter, a Jewish lady, she's upset because she was separated from her husband and two sons; however, she only has one son with her.
41.) How do the others treat her and why?
Others treated her by tying her up and gagging her so they can't hear her panicky voice screaming anymore. They treated her like this because her emotions were being contagious to everyone in the cattle car.
42.) What is the first thing the prisoners see when they got to Birkenau?
First ting the prisoners see when they got to Birkenau is they see the chimney, smoke and fire rising from the hole top.
43.) What do they smell?
They smell burning flesh, which they can assume bodies are being burnt.
44.) Who are the SS men?
The SS men are soldiers of the German army who are placed at the interment camp.
45.) How do Elie and his father get separated from Mother and Tzipora?
Elie and his father get separated from Mother and Tzipora because the lines were formed and has been separated by gender.
46.) What is Elie’s last memory of them?
Elie's last memory of the mother and Tzipora is when his mother strokes Tzipora's hair.
47.) Why do some of the younger men want to attempt an escape?
The younger men makes attempts to escape because they don't want their death by being burnt from a crematorium.
48.) Why don’t they go through with it?
Elders persuaded them to not cause a revolt, but rather be optimistic.
49.) What lies do Elie and his father tell to Dr. Mengale and why?
Elie ad his father lies to Dr. Mengale by lying about their age and occupation because he won't discover their real identity.
50.) Why does Elie’s father wish Elie has gone with his mother and why is this ironic?
Elie's father wish Elie has gone with his mother because he would be safer in the parental figure of a warm, caring, and tender mother as well as he didn't want to see his only son perish. This becomes ironic because his father kind wished he could've taken refuge when he was offered.
51.) What do you suppose Elie would say to those who claim that innocent children were not murdered during the Holocaust?
Elie would possibly say the children would be murdered because he witnessed children and babies being thrown into the fire and people and families being killed.
52.) What is the Kaddish and why doesn’t’ Elie join his father in reciting it?
kaddish - a respectful prayer to the dead. Elie doesn't join his dad in reciting the ritual because he has his own faith and beliefs. Elie considers a superstition if they pray, then he believes they are going to die. In addition, he does not recite the prayer for his belief in survival.
53.) How do the prisoners who are already in the barracks treat the newcomers?
The prisoner who are already in the barracks treat the newcomers by demanding orders from them, harm and hit the newcomers, and the original prisoners bully the others.
54.) What are Elie and the others ordered to do?
Elie and the others are ordered to strip down their clothes while holding on to their shoes and belts. In addition, they are given orders to attend a barber shop and shave their heads.
55.) How does Elie change by the end of the first night? (physically, emotionally, and spiritually)
Elie changes by the end of the first night because he believes he lost his soul, gave upon hope, and doubts God and his respect for faith and thinks to himself why is this happening.
56.) How does Elie keep his his shoes from the “Kapos” at first?
Elie keep his shoes from the "Kapos" because his shoes was covered in mud, so the mud made the shoes appear dirty and older.
57.) According to the SS officer, what is the only way to avoid the furnaces?
According to the SS officers, the only way to avoid the furnaces was to either do manual labor or the option to go to the furnace.
58.) Why does the gypsy strike Elie’s father and how does Elie react?
The gypsy strikes Elie's father because Elie's father asks to go the the bathroom. Elie reacts by standing motionless because he's controlled by fear and has been petrified of the situation. Also importantly, he's in a state of mental shock as well as wanting to survive, or he no longer has his soul anymore.
59.) To what new camp are the prisoners taken?
The prisoners are being transported from Birkenau to Aushwitz.
60.) Who is in charge of the block and what is his advice?
The person in charge of the block is a young polish guy, and the advice he recommends is to assist each other.
61.) How does Elie become “A-7713”?
Germans use tattooed number for every Jew in roll call because they don't wan't to remember each and everyone's names. A-7713 is the code that represents Elie for roll call.
62.) Describe “roll call”.
Roll call - an orchestra that attends a theater to play classical music. Regarding to roll call, thousands of prisoners are lined up in the correct order so no one is missing.
63.) Who is Stein and why does Elie lie to him?
Stein is a relative of Elie's father. Elie lies to Stein because he tries to encourage him and give hope, so he doesn't need to look to him and his father for guidance anymore.
64.) Why does Stein stop coming to see Elie?
Stein stops coming to see Elie because he had realized all along that Elie had lied to him about his family. Stein has lost all hope when he notices his presence of his family missing when he searches for them.
65.) Akiba Drumer believes that God is testing the Jews and that this punishment they are enduring is actually a sign of love. What does Elie think of this theory?
Elie believes that his theory is fake, and he starts to doubt God o how come he would test them.
66.) How could Elie have bribed the assistant to arrange for him to go with his father to a “good unit”?
Elie could have bribed the assistant by giving the boy his shoes away to him.
67.) Why doesn’t he try the bribe?
Elie does not try to bribe him because his shoes are one of his most precious belongings that are worth keeping to him. Another part of perspective when he can keep his promise of the bribe.
68.) Where is music played in the camp?
The music is being played when entering of the camp naming the entrance the first block.
69.) Why can’t the musicians play Beethoven?
The musician can't play Beethoven because they are being restricted to be playing any German Music, in which, Beethoven is a German composer.
70.) Why is Elie sent to the dentist?
Elie is sent to the dentist because to get his gold tooth extracted.
71.) Why is he so desperate to keep his tooth and why doesn’t he succeed in keeping it?
Elie is desperate to keep his tooth because he has an opportunity to sell it, or in exchange for an equal item. The reason why he couldn't succeed in retrieving it because it is extracted.
72.) Who beats Elie in front of the French girl and why?
Idek beats him because he's Jewish.
73.) Why is she afraid to speak to him?
She is afraid of speaking to him because she is paralyzed with fear of instigating more violence.
74.) What advice does she give to Elie and what does this show about her?
The advice she gives to Elie is to hold in his anger and hold in his rage displaying there will be a day when he can unleash all his rage.
75.) Why does Idek beat Elie’s father?
Idek beats Elie's father because he's not working hard enough.
76.) Why is Elie angry at his father for getting beaten?
Elie is angry at his father for getting beat up for not keeping up with his workload.
77.) Why does Elie give his father “marching lessons”?
His father cannot march in place, Franek beats Elie's dad because Elie did not give back the crown.
78.) Why does Elie laugh at Idek and what is the result?
taking advantage of the woman. Ridiculous, to send the whole group away to hook up with one girl.
79.) What do the air raid sirens signify?
signfy bombing airstrike.
80.) Why is this a particularly dangerous time for prisoners?
This is a particularly dangerous time for prisoners because the prisoners are left to defend from themselves. SS officer have a underground bunker. Prisoner doesn't have any protection.
81.) How is “Fear stronger than hunger”?
"Fear stronger than hunger" because the fear of death is greater than to take the cauldron. Giving their life away for soup.
82.) How does the death of that one man affect Elie and how does he react when the air raid is over?
The death that one man affect elie because the guy goes for soup and the outcome is he gets shot. Doesn't affect him because a guy dying is like a regular day.
83.) Who are some of the people who die on the gallows?
One of the people who dies on the gallows is a young boy from Warsaw. The pipel is hung from stealing weapons, or arms.
84.) What phrase so many repeat before their deaths?
"Long live liberty" is the phrase that has been repeated before their deaths.
85.) Why are people hanged rather than being shot or killed some other way?
People are hanged rather that being shot and killed because being hung is more torturous and gruesome. You can see the display of the breath being taken out of the victim of hanging. Their life being taken out in a very slow and painful way.
86.) Whose death affects Elie the most and why?
The death that mostly affects Elie is the death of pipel. Pipel was only a little boy, and even the Kapo didn't want him to be executed. His death, makes him question his own faith asking himself what kind of God would permit this.
87.) Why does Elie find the soup “excellent” after one execution, but tasting of “corpses” after another?
Elie finds the soup "excellent" after one execution, but tasting of "corpses" after another because he founded the soup excellent because the execution was an ordinary routine whereas the second execution tasted like corpses because Elie noticed that the Nazis have no boundary for who they kill. He considers himself as one of the inmates being hung on the Gallows.
88.) What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year.
89.) Why do you suppose even “Kapos, functionaries of death” come to the Rosh Hashanah service?
Kapos attended to the Rosh Hashanah service, for a reason is they are supervising in which they are providing protection. Another reason is they came to participate in the event reflecting on the year.
90.) What is going through Elie’s mind?
Elie's mind is going through a loss of hope and faith. Feels lonely that God is not their to protect feeling defenseless and a body soulless. Elie is doubting himself about his faith in which questioning why would God allow this happen in the world.
91.) Is Elie in the minority when he “rebelled” inwardly and why does he call the place where the Kews meet to pray a “mirage”?
Jews consider that they are perceiving hope itself, but actually joking themselves.
92.) What does Elie mean when he says of his father, “We had never understood each other so clearly”?
What he meant by "We had never understood each other so clearly is that they love each other as a father-son relationship. They are blessed to see each other, but also with an account of being afraid
93.) What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a day of atonement, a time where Jewish people fast from meat.
94.) Why doesn’t Elie fast?
Elie doesn't fast because it's a sense of rebellion as well as hunger got the best of his temptations. He questioning God why would he fast when he is dying out of starvation.
95.) What is the “fine New Year’s gift” the SS gives the prisoners?
The "fine New Year's gift" the SS gives the prisoners is the Selection.
96.) What advice does Elie get from the head of the block about avoiding selection?
The advice that Elie gets from the head of the block about avoiding selection is to warm up, run as fast he can, and to never look back, only forward.
97.) What does Wiesel mean when he says, as the prisoners stand naked, “This must show how one stands at the last judgment”?
This is a judgement determining going to heaven or hell. If you pass, you live; however, fail and you pass away.
98.) What is Dr. Mengele’s attitude during the “selection”?
Dr. Mengele's attitude during the "selection" is considering the act as a game in which he smirks.
99.) What are Elie’s thoughts as he goes through the “race”?
Elie's thoughts as he goes to the "race" are his head encounters a little dizziness, and he considers himself too skinny and weak putting this into his mindset throughout the whole race.
100.) What sorts of “presents” and “inheritance” gifts does Wiesel’s father give Elie and why?
The presents and inheritance he has received from his father is half a ration of bread and a piece of rubber. Bread is to help him satisfy his hunger as well as giving Elie a knife and a spoon.
101.) Why does Elie return them to his father?
Elie returns the items from his father to him because he doesn't need the inheritance. He is not going to take the possessions from his father unless his father has some strength left. If Elie keeps the inheritance, then possibly his father could have died.
102.) What does this show about how life changes when mere survival is a struggle?
You need survival equipment to sustain and endure the outside world. The items Elie received were essential necessities in order to be alive.
103.) What happens to many of the prisoners when they lose faith?
When prisoners lose their faith, they lose the incentives to fight or retaliate. They are being given to selections.
104.) Why does Wiesel tell the story of Akiba Dumer – and how everyone forgets to say the Kaddish for him?
WIesel tells the story of Akiba Dumer because he is an example of they lost their faith, brotherhood, and Jewish religion.
105.) How does Wiesel end up in the hospital?
Elie ends up in the hospital because his foot started to swell by an infection or something else.
106.) What decision is Wiesel faced with while he is in the hospital?
The decision the Wiesel has encountered if he should leave and go away or if he should remain.
107.) What is Elie’s choice and why does he choose this option?
Elie's made his decision clear by staying because he doesn't trust his neighbor in he is not able to trust anyone anymore. Elie likes the fact that there is no bell and roll call.
108.) Why is the camp being evacuated?
The camp has been evacuated because the Red army is headings towards their destination which the war is quickly approaching towards the concentration camps.
109.) Why do the prisoners want the Russians to arrive first?
Prisoners want the Russians to arrive first because of the protection and liberation. If they don't rescue them, then you can consider them dead.
110.) What is meant by the question the prisoners ask: “were they (SS) going to let the Jews hear the twelfth stroke sound?”
Everyone was suppose to die on the stroke of midnight. The inmates ask the SS officers because they want to witness if they were going to decide if they were going to die or not.
111.) How does the “face of the camp” change on the morning of the evacuation?
The "face of camp" change the morning on evacuating by getting more food, clothing, turning the mood into a free-for-all survival.
112.) Why does the head of the block order the prisoners to clean the floor, and how do you think the prisoners feel about this task?
The head of the block order the prisoners to clean the floor because to make the Russian soldier rethink as they arrive, they were men before. Regardless of being inmates taking care of themselves, they are being treated as men. Creating a sense irony because before they were being treated as animals.
113.) Reread the description of the evacuation at the end of the chapter. Why does the author choose to use a series of short sentences in this passage? What is the effect?
Wiesel has written a series of short sentences in the passage so the reader can relate to the characters going through, and the effect happens so quickly that gives you sense an urgency.
114.) What does Wiesel mean by the observations of the SS men “Their fingers on the triggers, they did not deprive themselves of this pleasure”?
Someone would get shot if they stopped running or slows down. The fingers on the triggers suggest that the SS officers have more overwhelming power against them. The prisoners can decide life or death when messing with the SS officers.
115.) What is sadism and where do you see evidence of it in the novel?
Sadism in an another interpretation for to be sadistic where as sadistic finds pleasure in pain. Sadisitic people make other be injured or harmed. For instance, not feeding the sick. Another instance, is when Idek randomly beats up people. Lastly, the doctor doesn't even bother to aid Elie's father when he is on the brink of death.
116.) What happens to Zalman?
Zalman has stomach pains which he pulls his pants down to relieve the tress; however, it doesn't make it feel any better. Later, he gets run over and stampeded by other prisoners behind him assuming he dies.
117.) In what way are Wiesel and the other Jews who keep rushing onward “masters of nature” -then in the morning “without strength, without illusions”?
Wiesel and the other Jews were "masters of nature" because they have gone through so much that they become strong against abuse and the harsh environment. Then in the morning, they were without strength because they were running all night and became exhausted after the harsh run.
118.) How do Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive?
Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive by keeping each other awake so they don't sleep.
119.) Why does Wiesel tell the story of Rabbi Eliahou?
Wiesel tells the story of Rabbi Eliahou it depicts a similarity between his father and him. Into a morale dilemma in where he ditches or remains with his father?
120.) Why is he glad that the rabbi “should continue to look for his beloved son”?
He is glad that the rabbi "should continue to look for his beloved son" because they know they are lost, regardless, they would still search for each other. Peace of mind when they are looking for each other even though the are lost. Overall, they still care about each other and love each other.
121.) Why do you think that “sons abandoned their fathers’ remains without a tear”?
the 'sons abandoned their fathers' like that because of them holding them back, or they are used to seeing it.
122.) How does Wiesel avoid suffocation?
Wiesel avoid suffocation when separating the bodies and makes himself a hole to breath through.
123.) Why does Wiesel think he is hallucinating?
Wiesel believes he has been hallucinating because he hears the violin where he naturally considers he is hearing sounds.
124.) Why is Juliek playing his violin in this terrible situation?
Juliek is playing his violin in this terrible situation because for his fellow comrades and does it for the final song for himself and the dead which he believe he is going to die, so he wants to die happily.
125.) What happens to Juliek
Juliek does die, but doesn't state how assuming that they were not allowed to play German Music. The outcome could have been shotby the SS officer, but it doesn't state how.
126.) How does Wiesel’s father avoid being “selected” at Gleiwitz and why does Wiesel run after him to the left?
Through the crowd, Elie chases for his has father, and moves him to the right. He runs to his father because he is afraid he will be separated from him. Elie wants his father to remain alive by avoiding to stay in the left.
127.) How does Wiesel convey a sense of hopelessness in this final section of the book?
Wiesel conveys a sense of hopelessness by awaiting to die and describing their condiions. Spend one night after another in torture for the sake of dying.
128.) Why do the two men try to throw Wiesel’s father from the carriage?
The two men try to throw Wiesel's father from the carriage because he seemed dead, but he was breathing barely.
129.) Why do the living “rejoice” when the order comes to throw out the corpses?
They rejoice because throwing out the corpses provides more space.
130.) What is the author trying to say about the prisoners at this point?
Author is trying to convey in this point is that they are awaiting to die spending one night after another in torture.
131.) How do the prisoners in the wagon act like animals?
The prisoners in the wagon act like animals by strangling each other, such as a crumb drops on a floor, they flourish to that one spot.
132.) Why do the German workmen take a “lively interest in this spectacle” when they have merely stopped and stared at marching prisoners before?
The German workmen take a "lively interest in this spectacle" when they have merely stopped because it's their way of humiliating the prisoners with no empathy.
133.) Why doesn’t Wiesel join in this scramble for food?
Wiesel doesn't join in this scramble for food because he knows he does not he has the strength to brawl for a piece of bread.
134.) How are Meir and his son similar to other fathers and sons Wiesel describes?
Meir and his son are similar to the other because they are providing fatherly love and loyalty when child turns to greed. In the wagon, it was the son's or father's fault for them dying just for the bread.
135.) What is the author saying about how the concentration camp affects the bonds between loved ones?
Author says about how concentration camps can affect bonds between loved ones for the father and son become closer because they need each other to survive. Another reason is the father or son either has to survive on their own because they can't take care of each other.
136.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz saves Elie Wiesel's life by preventing the attacker from suffocating Elie.
137.) What advice does Wiesel’s father give Katz in an attempt to save him?
Wiesel's father adivce for Katz is to not give up telling him to not resist and not to lose faith in himself.
138.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz saves Elie Wiesel's life by preventing the attacker from suffocating Elie.
139.) Why is it that Wiesel “could have wept with rage” when his father begs for rest upon arrival at Buchenwald?
Wiesel had wept with rage because he believes his father is slowly dying not maintaining survival any longer, and slowly losing his life up on Wiesel. Elie becomes upset because all the suffering they endured is for nothing.
140.) Why does Elie feel that he is arguing “with death itself”?
Elie feels that he is arguing "with death itself" because it seems that his father can't live anymore and wants to die while Elie argues with him to keep living.
141.) Why does Wiesel leave his father when the sirens wail, and how does he feel about this later?
Elie leaves his father when the sirens wail because he is trying to rescue himself which he is no longer able to take care of himself anymore. His bunk inmates are complaining about Elie's father saying he's dying. Elie turns upset because he was helpless to help or protect him.
142.) Is his father angry at Elie for deserting him?
Elie father is not angry for deserting him because the father has already accepted his fate, but wants Elie to survive.
143.) What emotions does Wiesel experience that last week as he watches his father die?
Elie is afraid that his father is going to die feeling the guilt of helplessness. His bunk inmates are complaining about Elie's father saying he's dying. Elie turns upset because he was helpless to help or protect him.
144.) Why does Wiesel decide to be an “invalid”?
Wiesel decide to be "invalid" because he wants to stay with the comfort of his father knowing his fate. Elie just want to be with his father and take care of him.
145.) Why doesn’t he see his father die and why doesn’t he cry?
HIs father is being burnt to death by the crematorium, In according to the text, can't shed a tear because he couldn't anymore.
146.) What are Wiesel’s thoughts during the months after his father’s death?
Eile was concerned about the well-being of himself now because he didn't show tears for his father's death.
147.) What would have happened if the children had gone to the assembly place, as ordered?
If the children could gone to the assembly place, as ordered, then they could all have been massacred. The inmates told them to go to the block and hide.
148.) Why do the SS men flee the camp?
The SS men flee from the camp because the resistance have arrived and the first American Tank came.
149.) What is Wiesel finally freed?
Wiesel is finally freed when the American force came and shows up at gate of Buchenweld.
150.) Why is Wiesel sent to a hospital after his liberation?
Elie is sent to the hospital after liberation is because he encountered a condition of poison.
151.) The book ends with a haunting sense of hollowness. Why do you think the author ends with this tone?
The author had ended the tone with hollowness because he can never forget the experience he has been through the entire holocaust. The memories and violence becomes embedded into his mind.