PREFACE to the NEW TRANSLATION:
1.) Read the preface by Elie Wiesel. Why do you suppose Wiesel imposed a ten-tear vow of silence?
In memory of people's death and he was still in shock of the whole situation.
2.) Why did he have trouble finding a publisher?
It was too morbid, grotesque, and sensitive of a topic to publish a book about.
3.) What is the “devastation that will never end”?
The memories and experiences of the time.
4.) What is Wiesel saying about how we can make sure that something this horrible is never repeated?
To inform everyone and to never forget.
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?
It was an autobiography from the perspective of a child. He thinks its more genuine and authentic. He thinks the material included is an authentic representation or memory of what happened during the Holocaust.
6.) How do you explain the “inconceivable passivity” with which the Jews of Sighet yield themselves to the Nazis?
Fear that something worse will happen them if they resist and hope that things would get better. They were very naive to the actual severity of the situation.
7.) What aspects of Wiesel’s experience does Mauriac find most disturbing?
The sister and the mother are burned to death and the smoke made from their ashes, children being hung and transported in cattle cars, and a father being tortured every day and being killed. He often questions why God would allow those things to happen and related the people dying to Jesus on the cross.
NIGHT:
8.) When and where does Elie Wiesel grow up? (city, country and time period) How old is he?
Sighet, Transylvania. 1941. Twelve.
9.) Try to picture Elie’s childhood. How is his childhood like yours and how is it different?
Similar:
He goes to church, he religious, and he goes to school.
Difference:
He grew up in Transylvania, he's Jewish.
10.) Who is “Moshe the Beadle” and why does Wiesel begin the story with him?
He's his religious education mentor and the town joke. It shows how much he cares about his faith and how it's important in his life.
11.) What do Eliezer’s parents and the other in the community think of Moshe?
He is the town joke and most people don't think very much about him.
12.) Why does Elie spend so much time with Moshe?
Moshe is his religious mentor.
13.) What is Elie’s father’s profession?
He's a store owner.
14.) Is Elie’s father highly respected in the Jewish community?
Yes, he's well liked and respected. People often go to him for advice or help.
15.) What has happened to Moshe that caused a great change in him?
The police forcibly remove him from town to kill him, but he manages to escape.
16.) How does this experience change Moshe?
He's lost faith and the joy in his eyes is gone.
17.) How does the rest of the community react when he tells them what has happened to him?
They don't believe him. They think he's making it up or being delusional.
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?
They hear of the daily bombings and think people are coming to help them.
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?
They're worried about everything that's going on in the world except themselves. They don't understand the this could involve them and that they are in danger. It's ironic that they worry themselves so much over politics and Hitler, but they don't do anything about it.
20.) Berkovitz brings news from Budapest that anti-Semitism (hostility or discrimination against Jews) war is rampant. Why then, is “optimism soon revived”?
They think that the Germans will not come to their town. The journey seemed to be too far.
21.) Why do “the optimists rejoiced” even three days after the German soldiers appear in Sighet?
They're being polite, so they figured they're not all mean.
22.) Why is celebrating Passover like playing a “comedy”?
Their hearts aren't in it. They're going through the motions because they have to.
23.) What does the following mean? “On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose.”
The Germans arrested the Jewish leaders in the community, so the people realized what was going to happen.
24.) Name the decrees (laws) the Germans put into place.
Stay in their homes for three days or die.
Hand over any valuables they had or die.
All Jews had to wear yellow stars or identify themselves.
25.) Describe the ghettos.
There are two ghettos enclosed by barbed wire. The Jews identify themselves as a Jewish republic. They appoint their own police force, etc.
26.) How do the Jews of Sighet generally feel about the ghettos?
They think it's a good thing because they're living amoungst themselves. They feel excluded from the hostile enviroment, and they enjoy that.
27.) Why do the Jews of Sighet think they are being deported and why is their destination kept secret from them?
They're too close to the front and think they're being taken to safety.
28.) How could the Jews of Sighet have possibly escaped from the Germans?
They could have just left instead of trusting the officers.
29.) How do they prepare for deportation?
They bring a backpack, food, and some clothing.
30.) Why is there “joy” when the signal finally comes for them to leave?
They thought anything was better than standing there in the sun sweating.
31.) How does Elie feel as he watches the procession or deportees?
He felt sad watching everyone he knows sad and exhausted to leave what they know.
32.) Who offers Elie and his family safe refuge?
Maria the maid.
33.) Why doesn’t Elie’s father accept the offer?
The father has stronger morals and is a well respected person. He wanted to set an example for the community and didn't want to abandon his community.
34.) On what day of the week is the family expelled and why is this ironic?
The family is expelled on their day of rest. They are forced against their will to be expelled and be moved along to a camp, to a fate that they still don't know what it is.
35.) They spend 24 hours in a synagogue. What are the conditions like? Give examples.
Men and woman are seperated and the German soldiers have destroyed the synagogue. They are forced to relieve themselves in the synagogue.
36.) How are the Jews moved out of Sighet?
They are transported in cattle cars.
37.) Why do you suppose no one tries to escape?
You would get shot.
38.) Why does the Hungarian lieutenant move among the prisoners with a basket?
To collect any valuable items; gold, silver, etc.
39.) What actions do “those who no longer wished to taste the bitterness of terror” take?
They try to calm her down and become very compliant to all that is going on.
40.) Who is Madame Schachter and why is she so upset?
Being seperated from her husband and two sons.
41.) How do the others treat her and why?
They tie her up and gag her so she can't talk anymore. She's scaring everyone in the car.
42.) What is the first thing the prisoners see when they got to Birkenau?
The chimney with the flames rising from it.
43.) What do they smell?
Burning flesh.
44.) Who are the SS men?
They're soldiers of the German soldiers, not nazis.
45.) How do Elie and his father get separated from Mother and Tzipora?
The men and women are separated.
46.) What is Elie’s last memory of them?
Mom stroking his sister's hair.
47.) Why do some of the younger men want to attempt an escape?
They don't want to be burned and they don't want to die that way.
48.) Why don’t they go through with it?
The elders convince them not to and be optimistic.
49.) What lies do Elie and his father tell to Dr. Mengale and why?
Their age and occupation because if they are young and healthy they might find them useful instead of killing them.
50.) Why does Elie’s father wish Elie has gone with his mother and why is this ironic?
To be safe with mom and he doesn't want to see his son die. When he had the chance to save his family he didn't take it, but now he realizes he should have as he's marching to his death.
51.) What do you suppose Elie would say to those who claim that innocent children were not murdered during the Holocaust?
He witnessed children and babies being burned in the crematorium.
52.) What is the Kaddish and why doesn’t’ Elie join his father in reciting it?
Kaddish is a prayer for the dead. He holds onto the belief. He acknowledges the benefit of knowing he's going to die, but he doesn't want to die.
53.) How do the prisoners who are already in the barracks treat the newcomers?
They were mean to them by giving them orders and hitting them.
54.) What are Elie and the others ordered to do?
Take off their clothes, but hold onto their shoes and belts. Then they are sent to the barber to be shaved.
55.) How does Elie change by the end of the first night? (physically, emotionally, and spirirtually)
He changes emotionally and spiritually. He gives up hope and his faith. He refers to himself as a shape.
56.) How does Elie keep his his shoes from the “Kapos” at first?
He hides them in the mud. The mud disguised them as looking older.
57.) According to the SS officer, what is the only way to avoid the furnaces?
To work.
58.) Why does the gypsy strike Elie’s father and how does Elie react?
His father asks for the bathroom and Elie stays silent.
59.) To what new camp are the prisoners taken?
Auschwitz.
60.) Who is in charge of the block and what is his advice?
A young polish guy. His advice was to help each other.
61.) How does Elie become “A-7713”?
A veteran prisoner tattooed it on him. He started to become a number instead of Elie.
62.) Describe “roll call”.
An orchestra comes out and plays military marches. Tens of thousands prisoners line up.
63.) Who is Stein and why does Elie lie to him?
Stein is a relative and he lies to him to give him hope.
64.) Why does Stein stop coming to see Elie?
He found out Elie lied to him and he lost hope.
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?
Akiba believes it was a test to see who was truly faithful. Elie doesn't agree with this. 66.) How could Elie have bribed the assistant to arrange for him to go with his father to a “good unit”?
Elie could have given him the shoes.
67.) Why doesn’t he try the bribe?
He doesn't try the bribe because Elie believes the man will not go through with the deal.
68.) Where is music played in the camp?
Music is played on the "first block", or the entrance of a camp.
69.) Why can’t the musicians play Beethoven?
Jews were not allowed to play German music.
70.) Why is Elie sent to the dentist?
Elie was sent to the dentist because he had gold teeth.
71.) Why is he so desperate to keep his tooth and why doesn’t he succeed in keeping it?
To buy food and to extend his life.
72.) Who beats Elie in front of the French girl and why?
Edec beats Elie because he is Jewish.
73.) Why is she afraid to speak to him?
She is afraid that she will get hurt, or Elie will get even more hurt.
74.) What advice does she give to Elie and what does this show about her?
The French girl tells Elie to bite his lip and to hold his anger.
75.) Why does Idek beat Elie’s father?
Idec beats Elie's father because Elie would give up his crown, and Elie's dad was slacking off.
76.) Why is Elie angry at his father for getting beaten?
Elie is angry because his dad didn't try to prevent this.
77.) Why does Elie give his father “marching lessons”?
Elie's dad can't marching in place.
78.) Why does Elie laugh at Idek and what is the result?
Elie thinks that it is funny that he has enough of a heart to stay with that girl, but Idek still beats the Jews, and he needs to force someone to be with him. The result is Elie gets beat.
79.) What do the air raid sirens signify?
This signifies a bombing.
80.) Why is this a particularly dangerous time for prisoners?
The SS Officers go underground, while the prisoners are stuck above.
81.) How is “terror stronger than hunger”?
The prisoner know that if they drink that soup, they could get beat, shot, or killed.
82.) How does the death of that one man affect Elie and how does he react when the air raid is over?
It shows what may have happened if he took the soup, but it didn't really affect him.
83.) Who are some of the people who die on the gallows?
The first person to die was The young boy because he stole. Then, a little 13 year old was hung for stealing weapons.
84.) What phrase so many repeat before their deaths?
They repeat the phrase, "Long live liberty."
85.) Why are people hanged rather than being shot or killed some other way?
It's haunting, and you see the suffering.
86.) Whose death affects Elie the most and why?
The death of the pipel affects Elie the most because he is a younger innocent child, and it also makes Elie doubt his faith and ask where is God.
87.) Why does Elie find the soup “excellent” after one execution, but tasting of “corpses” after another?
Elie says the first soup tastes excellent because it was usual and was thankful that Elie didn't die, but the second time, he felt it tasted like corpses because he realizes that Elie could have been hanged too, and that the soldiers and the army had no limitations to who they would kill.
88.) What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year.
89.) Why do you suppose even “Kapos, functionaries of death” come to the Rosh Hashanah service?
The Kapos might have attended the Rosh Hashanah to supervise the Jews, and to participate in the service and be faithful in their own way, even though they don't believe in the faith.
90.) What is going through Elie’s mind?
In Elie's mind, he was losing faith during the service. He believed that he was alone now, that he was defeated, and now he was just a body of ashes walking around.
91.) Is Elie in the minority when he “rebelled” inwardly and why does he call the place where the Jews meet to pray a “mirage”?
The Jews think they see hope, but Elie doesn't. Elie instead rebels against his faith inwardly, and is in the minority when he does so.
92.) What does Elie mean when he says of his father, “We had never understood each other so clearly”?
Elie means that they understood that they are thankful that they still have each other and love each other, as well as both of them are afraid of what might happen and what could have happened.
93.) What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a day atonement when Jews fast.
94.) Why doesn’t Elie fast?
Elie doesn't fast because he is already starving, and because it is a rebellious protest against God, asking God where he is and why he is allowing everything to happen.
95.) What is the “fine New Year’s gift” the SS gives the prisoners?
The SS gives the prisoners, as a New Year's gift, the selection.
96.) What advice does Elie get from the head of the block about avoiding selection?
Elie gets the advice to run as fast as he can, to run forward, and give yourself some color so that you look healthy and not pale and frail.
97.) What does Wiesel mean when he says, as the prisoners stand naked, “This must show how one stands at the last judgment”?
Wiesel means that he thinks that the selection is similar to what the last judgement, going to heaven or hell, would be like.
98.) What is Dr. Mengele’s attitude during the “selection”?
Dr. Mengele's attitude during the selection was like it was all a game. He forces the inmates to do silly tricks, and grins and smiles every once and a while.
99.) What are Elie’s thoughts as he goes through the “race”?
Elie's head is spinning and thinks about how he is too skinny or too weak, and repeats these thoughts and continues running, hoping that he could pass the selection.
100.) What sorts of “presents” and “inheritance” gifts does Wiesel’s father give Elie and why?
Wiesel's father gives Elie a half ration of bread to eat and a piece of rubber that could be used to repair a shoe. He also gave Elie a knife that he doesn't use anyway, and a spoon as inheritance.
101.) Why does Elie return them to his father?
Elie returns the inheritance because his father is still alive and proved that he was still able to work, so he returns his inheritance because it shows that his father is still alive and did not pass away.
102.) What does this show about how life changes when mere survival is a struggle?
This shows about how life changes when survival is a struggle because those kind of survival tools are a major gift because they realize that it could mean life or death as well.
103.) What happens to many of the prisoners when they lose faith?
When the prisoners lose faith, they also lose hope and strength to fight and work. When they lose faith, they succumb to defeat, and usually die to selection afterwards.
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 it was a perfect example of what happened when someone lost their faith. They were losing their selves, their community, and their brotherhood, like when they forgot to say the Kaddish for Akiba.
105.) How does Wiesel end up in the hospital?
Wiesel's right food began to swell from the cold or from infection. So they decide to operate on it.
106.) What decision is Wiesel faced with while he is in the hospital?
Wiesel is faced with the decision that if he should leave the hospital, or wait it out and stay and fully recover.
107.) What is Elie’s choice and why does he choose this option?
Elie chooses to stay and fully recover because he doesn't trust the neighbor, and he likes it at the hospital. He's getting rest, food, water, no bells, and no work.
108.) Why is the camp being evacuated?
The camp is being evacuated because the Red Army was coming towards the concentration camps, and the battle front was getting too close.
109.) Why do the prisoners want the Russians to arrive first?
The prisoners want the Russians to arrive first because they believe that they will rescue and liberate the Jews from the concentrations camps and from Hitler, since they will be dead anyway or be forced to fight.
110.) What is meant by the question the prisoners ask: “were they (SS) going to let the Jews hear the twelfth stroke sound?”
The question the prisoners asked meant if the patients in the infirmary would be executed and thrown into the furnace at midnight, or if they were going to be allowed to stay alive.
111.) How does the “face of the camp” change on the morning of the evacuation?The mood of the camp chances on the morning of the evacuation when they get more food, more clothing, and it basically turns into a free-for-all for 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 orders the prisoners to clean the floor because they want the Russian army, when they arrive, to know that men lived in the area, not pigs, and the prisoners guess that now they are considered men, even if they are treated like pigs.
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?
The authors uses a series of short sentences in the passage so the reader can relate and feel what the characters are going through, because in the moment, everything was happening so fast.
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”?
Wiesel means by the observations of the SS men that they would shoot anyone that could not keep up the pace, and the SS officers are still in charge even though they are evacuating when Wiesel sees that their fingers are on the triggers constantly.
115.) What is sadism and where do you see evidence of it in the novel?
Sadism is the gain of pleasure from pain or abuse of others. For example, they don't feed the sick because they think he will die anyway.
116.) What happens to Zalman?
Zalman has stomach pains. He pulls his pants down to relieve it, but it doesn't do anything. Then, he tramples down and gets run over by the other prisoners behind him. He probably died.
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”?
Nothing phases them anymore. They have gone through so much abuse that they have figured out to master it. They are strong. They are used to the pain. Then, they changed their mood when the morning star appeared in the sky. They were exhausted. They were running all day.
118.) How do Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive?
Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive by looking out for each other and keeping each other awake.
119.) Why does Wiesel tell the story of Rabbi Eliahou?
It mirrors him and his father. He is brought up with a decision: does he stay with his father or ditch him?
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 it shows that if they were lost, they would be still look for each other. It gives them the peace of mind that they will be looking for each other when they are lost from each other. Even though they don't say that they love one another, they still care about each other and love each other.
121.) Why do you think that “sons abandoned their fathers’ remains without a tear”?
They are used to people dying, since this is a time when everyone is dying. They have to just move on with their lives.
122.) How does Wiesel avoid suffocation?
He separates the bodies somehow and makes himself a hole to breath through.
123.) Why does Wiesel think he is hallucinating?
He hears the violin. He naturally assumes that he is hearing things and his going crazy.
124.) Why is Juliek playing his violin in this terrible situation?
Juliek is playing his violin in this terrible situation because he doesn't it for his fellow comrades and he does it for his final song for himself and for the dead people. He thinks he is going to die. He might as well die happy.
125.) What happens to Juliek?
Juliek dies. It doesn't say how. We can assume that they were not allowed to play German music. For that, he could have been shot or killed by the SS officers. We don't know how he dies.
126.) How does Wiesel’s father avoid being “selected” at Gleiwitz and why does Wiesel run after him to the left?
Elie goes after his father, through the crowd, and moves him to the right. He runs after his father because he doesn't want to get separated from him. He would've died if he stayed at the left. Elie wanted his father to stay alive.
127.) How does Wiesel convey a sense of hopelessness in this final section of the book?
They are waiting to die. They spend one night after another in torture waiting to die. He conveys this by describing their conditions.
128.) Why do the two men try to throw Wiesel’s father from the carriage?
The two men try to throw Elie's father from the carriage because he looked dead. He was barely breathing.
129.) Why do the living “rejoice” when the order comes to throw out the corpses?
It makes more room for them, to move around.
130.) What is the author trying to say about the prisoners at this point?
They are waiting to die. They spend one night after another in torture waiting to die.
131.) How do the prisoners in the wagon act like animals?
They act like animals. They strangle each other to death. If a crumb is thrown to the floor, they go after it like animals.
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 started it because it is their way of making fun of the prisoners. They don't empathize or feel pain at all.
133.) Why doesn’t Wiesel join in this scramble for food?
Elie doesn't move for the piece of bread because he knows he is not strong enough to get into a battle for a piece of bread.
134.) How are Meir and his son similar to other fathers and sons Wiesel describes?
It is the father providing the love and the loyalty when the child becomes greedy. In the wagon, the son gets him and his father killed because of bread. It was the son's or child's fault for them dying.135.) What is the author saying about how the concentration camp affects the bonds between loved ones?
Some get closer, bonded by the will to survive. Others become separated because the latter is weaker.
136.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz stops a man from strangling Elie.
137.) What advice does Wiesel’s father give Katz in an attempt to save him?
He tells him to not give up hope.
138.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz saves Elie from strangulation as Elie was sleeping.
139.) Why is it that Wiesel “could have wept with rage” when his father begs for rest upon arrival at Buchenwald?
Elsie is angry because his father was ready to "Give in" to death.
140.) Why does Elie feel that he is arguing “with death itself”?
His father is delusional and wants to just die.
141.) Why does Wiesel leave his father when the sirens wail, and how does he feel about this later?
He as trying to save himself and later he feels guilty.
142.) Is his father angry at Elie for deserting him?
No, he doesn't seem so.
143.) What emotions does Wiesel experience that last week as he watches his father die?
He feels ashamed that he couldn't have done better to protect him.
144.) Why does Wiesel decide to be an “invalid”?
He didn't want his dad.
145.) Why doesn’t he see his father die and why doesn’t he cry?
He knows that he has to keep living, and he was out of tears.
146.) What are Wiesel’s thoughts during the months after his father’s death?
He doesn't think much.
147.) What would have happened if the children had gone to the assembly place, as ordered?
They would've been killed.
148.) Why do the SS men flee the camp?
They were outnumbered and overpowered and then th first American tank shows up.
149.) When is Wiesel finally freed?
The tank shows up.
150.) Why is Wiesel sent to a hospital after his liberation?
He is near death because of some poison.
151.) The book ends with a haunting sense of hollowness. Why do you think the author ends with this tone?
Because that sense of hollowness is what the halocaust did to the Jews, and he will never forget.
1.) Read the preface by Elie Wiesel. Why do you suppose Wiesel imposed a ten-tear vow of silence?
In memory of people's death and he was still in shock of the whole situation.
2.) Why did he have trouble finding a publisher?
It was too morbid, grotesque, and sensitive of a topic to publish a book about.
3.) What is the “devastation that will never end”?
The memories and experiences of the time.
4.) What is Wiesel saying about how we can make sure that something this horrible is never repeated?
To inform everyone and to never forget.
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?
It was an autobiography from the perspective of a child. He thinks its more genuine and authentic. He thinks the material included is an authentic representation or memory of what happened during the Holocaust.
6.) How do you explain the “inconceivable passivity” with which the Jews of Sighet yield themselves to the Nazis?
Fear that something worse will happen them if they resist and hope that things would get better. They were very naive to the actual severity of the situation.
7.) What aspects of Wiesel’s experience does Mauriac find most disturbing?
The sister and the mother are burned to death and the smoke made from their ashes, children being hung and transported in cattle cars, and a father being tortured every day and being killed. He often questions why God would allow those things to happen and related the people dying to Jesus on the cross.
NIGHT:
8.) When and where does Elie Wiesel grow up? (city, country and time period) How old is he?
Sighet, Transylvania. 1941. Twelve.
9.) Try to picture Elie’s childhood. How is his childhood like yours and how is it different?
Similar:
He goes to church, he religious, and he goes to school.
Difference:
He grew up in Transylvania, he's Jewish.
10.) Who is “Moshe the Beadle” and why does Wiesel begin the story with him?
He's his religious education mentor and the town joke. It shows how much he cares about his faith and how it's important in his life.
11.) What do Eliezer’s parents and the other in the community think of Moshe?
He is the town joke and most people don't think very much about him.
12.) Why does Elie spend so much time with Moshe?
Moshe is his religious mentor.
13.) What is Elie’s father’s profession?
He's a store owner.
14.) Is Elie’s father highly respected in the Jewish community?
Yes, he's well liked and respected. People often go to him for advice or help.
15.) What has happened to Moshe that caused a great change in him?
The police forcibly remove him from town to kill him, but he manages to escape.
16.) How does this experience change Moshe?
He's lost faith and the joy in his eyes is gone.
17.) How does the rest of the community react when he tells them what has happened to him?
They don't believe him. They think he's making it up or being delusional.
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?
They hear of the daily bombings and think people are coming to help them.
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?
They're worried about everything that's going on in the world except themselves. They don't understand the this could involve them and that they are in danger. It's ironic that they worry themselves so much over politics and Hitler, but they don't do anything about it.
20.) Berkovitz brings news from Budapest that anti-Semitism (hostility or discrimination against Jews) war is rampant. Why then, is “optimism soon revived”?
They think that the Germans will not come to their town. The journey seemed to be too far.
21.) Why do “the optimists rejoiced” even three days after the German soldiers appear in Sighet?
They're being polite, so they figured they're not all mean.
22.) Why is celebrating Passover like playing a “comedy”?
Their hearts aren't in it. They're going through the motions because they have to.
23.) What does the following mean? “On the seventh day of Passover the curtain rose.”
The Germans arrested the Jewish leaders in the community, so the people realized what was going to happen.
24.) Name the decrees (laws) the Germans put into place.
Stay in their homes for three days or die.
Hand over any valuables they had or die.
All Jews had to wear yellow stars or identify themselves.
25.) Describe the ghettos.
There are two ghettos enclosed by barbed wire. The Jews identify themselves as a Jewish republic. They appoint their own police force, etc.
26.) How do the Jews of Sighet generally feel about the ghettos?
They think it's a good thing because they're living amoungst themselves. They feel excluded from the hostile enviroment, and they enjoy that.
27.) Why do the Jews of Sighet think they are being deported and why is their destination kept secret from them?
They're too close to the front and think they're being taken to safety.
28.) How could the Jews of Sighet have possibly escaped from the Germans?
They could have just left instead of trusting the officers.
29.) How do they prepare for deportation?
They bring a backpack, food, and some clothing.
30.) Why is there “joy” when the signal finally comes for them to leave?
They thought anything was better than standing there in the sun sweating.
31.) How does Elie feel as he watches the procession or deportees?
He felt sad watching everyone he knows sad and exhausted to leave what they know.
32.) Who offers Elie and his family safe refuge?
Maria the maid.
33.) Why doesn’t Elie’s father accept the offer?
The father has stronger morals and is a well respected person. He wanted to set an example for the community and didn't want to abandon his community.
34.) On what day of the week is the family expelled and why is this ironic?
The family is expelled on their day of rest. They are forced against their will to be expelled and be moved along to a camp, to a fate that they still don't know what it is.
35.) They spend 24 hours in a synagogue. What are the conditions like? Give examples.
Men and woman are seperated and the German soldiers have destroyed the synagogue. They are forced to relieve themselves in the synagogue.
36.) How are the Jews moved out of Sighet?
They are transported in cattle cars.
37.) Why do you suppose no one tries to escape?
You would get shot.
38.) Why does the Hungarian lieutenant move among the prisoners with a basket?
To collect any valuable items; gold, silver, etc.
39.) What actions do “those who no longer wished to taste the bitterness of terror” take?
They try to calm her down and become very compliant to all that is going on.
40.) Who is Madame Schachter and why is she so upset?
Being seperated from her husband and two sons.
41.) How do the others treat her and why?
They tie her up and gag her so she can't talk anymore. She's scaring everyone in the car.
42.) What is the first thing the prisoners see when they got to Birkenau?
The chimney with the flames rising from it.
43.) What do they smell?
Burning flesh.
44.) Who are the SS men?
They're soldiers of the German soldiers, not nazis.
45.) How do Elie and his father get separated from Mother and Tzipora?
The men and women are separated.
46.) What is Elie’s last memory of them?
Mom stroking his sister's hair.
47.) Why do some of the younger men want to attempt an escape?
They don't want to be burned and they don't want to die that way.
48.) Why don’t they go through with it?
The elders convince them not to and be optimistic.
49.) What lies do Elie and his father tell to Dr. Mengale and why?
Their age and occupation because if they are young and healthy they might find them useful instead of killing them.
50.) Why does Elie’s father wish Elie has gone with his mother and why is this ironic?
To be safe with mom and he doesn't want to see his son die. When he had the chance to save his family he didn't take it, but now he realizes he should have as he's marching to his death.
51.) What do you suppose Elie would say to those who claim that innocent children were not murdered during the Holocaust?
He witnessed children and babies being burned in the crematorium.
52.) What is the Kaddish and why doesn’t’ Elie join his father in reciting it?
Kaddish is a prayer for the dead. He holds onto the belief. He acknowledges the benefit of knowing he's going to die, but he doesn't want to die.
53.) How do the prisoners who are already in the barracks treat the newcomers?
They were mean to them by giving them orders and hitting them.
54.) What are Elie and the others ordered to do?
Take off their clothes, but hold onto their shoes and belts. Then they are sent to the barber to be shaved.
55.) How does Elie change by the end of the first night? (physically, emotionally, and spirirtually)
He changes emotionally and spiritually. He gives up hope and his faith. He refers to himself as a shape.
56.) How does Elie keep his his shoes from the “Kapos” at first?
He hides them in the mud. The mud disguised them as looking older.
57.) According to the SS officer, what is the only way to avoid the furnaces?
To work.
58.) Why does the gypsy strike Elie’s father and how does Elie react?
His father asks for the bathroom and Elie stays silent.
59.) To what new camp are the prisoners taken?
Auschwitz.
60.) Who is in charge of the block and what is his advice?
A young polish guy. His advice was to help each other.
61.) How does Elie become “A-7713”?
A veteran prisoner tattooed it on him. He started to become a number instead of Elie.
62.) Describe “roll call”.
An orchestra comes out and plays military marches. Tens of thousands prisoners line up.
63.) Who is Stein and why does Elie lie to him?
Stein is a relative and he lies to him to give him hope.
64.) Why does Stein stop coming to see Elie?
He found out Elie lied to him and he lost hope.
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?
Akiba believes it was a test to see who was truly faithful. Elie doesn't agree with this. 66.) How could Elie have bribed the assistant to arrange for him to go with his father to a “good unit”?
Elie could have given him the shoes.
67.) Why doesn’t he try the bribe?
He doesn't try the bribe because Elie believes the man will not go through with the deal.
68.) Where is music played in the camp?
Music is played on the "first block", or the entrance of a camp.
69.) Why can’t the musicians play Beethoven?
Jews were not allowed to play German music.
70.) Why is Elie sent to the dentist?
Elie was sent to the dentist because he had gold teeth.
71.) Why is he so desperate to keep his tooth and why doesn’t he succeed in keeping it?
To buy food and to extend his life.
72.) Who beats Elie in front of the French girl and why?
Edec beats Elie because he is Jewish.
73.) Why is she afraid to speak to him?
She is afraid that she will get hurt, or Elie will get even more hurt.
74.) What advice does she give to Elie and what does this show about her?
The French girl tells Elie to bite his lip and to hold his anger.
75.) Why does Idek beat Elie’s father?
Idec beats Elie's father because Elie would give up his crown, and Elie's dad was slacking off.
76.) Why is Elie angry at his father for getting beaten?
Elie is angry because his dad didn't try to prevent this.
77.) Why does Elie give his father “marching lessons”?
Elie's dad can't marching in place.
78.) Why does Elie laugh at Idek and what is the result?
Elie thinks that it is funny that he has enough of a heart to stay with that girl, but Idek still beats the Jews, and he needs to force someone to be with him. The result is Elie gets beat.
79.) What do the air raid sirens signify?
This signifies a bombing.
80.) Why is this a particularly dangerous time for prisoners?
The SS Officers go underground, while the prisoners are stuck above.
81.) How is “terror stronger than hunger”?
The prisoner know that if they drink that soup, they could get beat, shot, or killed.
82.) How does the death of that one man affect Elie and how does he react when the air raid is over?
It shows what may have happened if he took the soup, but it didn't really affect him.
83.) Who are some of the people who die on the gallows?
The first person to die was The young boy because he stole. Then, a little 13 year old was hung for stealing weapons.
84.) What phrase so many repeat before their deaths?
They repeat the phrase, "Long live liberty."
85.) Why are people hanged rather than being shot or killed some other way?
It's haunting, and you see the suffering.
86.) Whose death affects Elie the most and why?
The death of the pipel affects Elie the most because he is a younger innocent child, and it also makes Elie doubt his faith and ask where is God.
87.) Why does Elie find the soup “excellent” after one execution, but tasting of “corpses” after another?
Elie says the first soup tastes excellent because it was usual and was thankful that Elie didn't die, but the second time, he felt it tasted like corpses because he realizes that Elie could have been hanged too, and that the soldiers and the army had no limitations to who they would kill.
88.) What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year.
89.) Why do you suppose even “Kapos, functionaries of death” come to the Rosh Hashanah service?
The Kapos might have attended the Rosh Hashanah to supervise the Jews, and to participate in the service and be faithful in their own way, even though they don't believe in the faith.
90.) What is going through Elie’s mind?
In Elie's mind, he was losing faith during the service. He believed that he was alone now, that he was defeated, and now he was just a body of ashes walking around.
91.) Is Elie in the minority when he “rebelled” inwardly and why does he call the place where the Jews meet to pray a “mirage”?
The Jews think they see hope, but Elie doesn't. Elie instead rebels against his faith inwardly, and is in the minority when he does so.
92.) What does Elie mean when he says of his father, “We had never understood each other so clearly”?
Elie means that they understood that they are thankful that they still have each other and love each other, as well as both of them are afraid of what might happen and what could have happened.
93.) What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a day atonement when Jews fast.
94.) Why doesn’t Elie fast?
Elie doesn't fast because he is already starving, and because it is a rebellious protest against God, asking God where he is and why he is allowing everything to happen.
95.) What is the “fine New Year’s gift” the SS gives the prisoners?
The SS gives the prisoners, as a New Year's gift, the selection.
96.) What advice does Elie get from the head of the block about avoiding selection?
Elie gets the advice to run as fast as he can, to run forward, and give yourself some color so that you look healthy and not pale and frail.
97.) What does Wiesel mean when he says, as the prisoners stand naked, “This must show how one stands at the last judgment”?
Wiesel means that he thinks that the selection is similar to what the last judgement, going to heaven or hell, would be like.
98.) What is Dr. Mengele’s attitude during the “selection”?
Dr. Mengele's attitude during the selection was like it was all a game. He forces the inmates to do silly tricks, and grins and smiles every once and a while.
99.) What are Elie’s thoughts as he goes through the “race”?
Elie's head is spinning and thinks about how he is too skinny or too weak, and repeats these thoughts and continues running, hoping that he could pass the selection.
100.) What sorts of “presents” and “inheritance” gifts does Wiesel’s father give Elie and why?
Wiesel's father gives Elie a half ration of bread to eat and a piece of rubber that could be used to repair a shoe. He also gave Elie a knife that he doesn't use anyway, and a spoon as inheritance.
101.) Why does Elie return them to his father?
Elie returns the inheritance because his father is still alive and proved that he was still able to work, so he returns his inheritance because it shows that his father is still alive and did not pass away.
102.) What does this show about how life changes when mere survival is a struggle?
This shows about how life changes when survival is a struggle because those kind of survival tools are a major gift because they realize that it could mean life or death as well.
103.) What happens to many of the prisoners when they lose faith?
When the prisoners lose faith, they also lose hope and strength to fight and work. When they lose faith, they succumb to defeat, and usually die to selection afterwards.
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 it was a perfect example of what happened when someone lost their faith. They were losing their selves, their community, and their brotherhood, like when they forgot to say the Kaddish for Akiba.
105.) How does Wiesel end up in the hospital?
Wiesel's right food began to swell from the cold or from infection. So they decide to operate on it.
106.) What decision is Wiesel faced with while he is in the hospital?
Wiesel is faced with the decision that if he should leave the hospital, or wait it out and stay and fully recover.
107.) What is Elie’s choice and why does he choose this option?
Elie chooses to stay and fully recover because he doesn't trust the neighbor, and he likes it at the hospital. He's getting rest, food, water, no bells, and no work.
108.) Why is the camp being evacuated?
The camp is being evacuated because the Red Army was coming towards the concentration camps, and the battle front was getting too close.
109.) Why do the prisoners want the Russians to arrive first?
The prisoners want the Russians to arrive first because they believe that they will rescue and liberate the Jews from the concentrations camps and from Hitler, since they will be dead anyway or be forced to fight.
110.) What is meant by the question the prisoners ask: “were they (SS) going to let the Jews hear the twelfth stroke sound?”
The question the prisoners asked meant if the patients in the infirmary would be executed and thrown into the furnace at midnight, or if they were going to be allowed to stay alive.
111.) How does the “face of the camp” change on the morning of the evacuation?The mood of the camp chances on the morning of the evacuation when they get more food, more clothing, and it basically turns into a free-for-all for 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 orders the prisoners to clean the floor because they want the Russian army, when they arrive, to know that men lived in the area, not pigs, and the prisoners guess that now they are considered men, even if they are treated like pigs.
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?
The authors uses a series of short sentences in the passage so the reader can relate and feel what the characters are going through, because in the moment, everything was happening so fast.
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”?
Wiesel means by the observations of the SS men that they would shoot anyone that could not keep up the pace, and the SS officers are still in charge even though they are evacuating when Wiesel sees that their fingers are on the triggers constantly.
115.) What is sadism and where do you see evidence of it in the novel?
Sadism is the gain of pleasure from pain or abuse of others. For example, they don't feed the sick because they think he will die anyway.
116.) What happens to Zalman?
Zalman has stomach pains. He pulls his pants down to relieve it, but it doesn't do anything. Then, he tramples down and gets run over by the other prisoners behind him. He probably died.
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”?
Nothing phases them anymore. They have gone through so much abuse that they have figured out to master it. They are strong. They are used to the pain. Then, they changed their mood when the morning star appeared in the sky. They were exhausted. They were running all day.
118.) How do Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive?
Wiesel and his father help each other stay alive by looking out for each other and keeping each other awake.
119.) Why does Wiesel tell the story of Rabbi Eliahou?
It mirrors him and his father. He is brought up with a decision: does he stay with his father or ditch him?
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 it shows that if they were lost, they would be still look for each other. It gives them the peace of mind that they will be looking for each other when they are lost from each other. Even though they don't say that they love one another, they still care about each other and love each other.
121.) Why do you think that “sons abandoned their fathers’ remains without a tear”?
They are used to people dying, since this is a time when everyone is dying. They have to just move on with their lives.
122.) How does Wiesel avoid suffocation?
He separates the bodies somehow and makes himself a hole to breath through.
123.) Why does Wiesel think he is hallucinating?
He hears the violin. He naturally assumes that he is hearing things and his going crazy.
124.) Why is Juliek playing his violin in this terrible situation?
Juliek is playing his violin in this terrible situation because he doesn't it for his fellow comrades and he does it for his final song for himself and for the dead people. He thinks he is going to die. He might as well die happy.
125.) What happens to Juliek?
Juliek dies. It doesn't say how. We can assume that they were not allowed to play German music. For that, he could have been shot or killed by the SS officers. We don't know how he dies.
126.) How does Wiesel’s father avoid being “selected” at Gleiwitz and why does Wiesel run after him to the left?
Elie goes after his father, through the crowd, and moves him to the right. He runs after his father because he doesn't want to get separated from him. He would've died if he stayed at the left. Elie wanted his father to stay alive.
127.) How does Wiesel convey a sense of hopelessness in this final section of the book?
They are waiting to die. They spend one night after another in torture waiting to die. He conveys this by describing their conditions.
128.) Why do the two men try to throw Wiesel’s father from the carriage?
The two men try to throw Elie's father from the carriage because he looked dead. He was barely breathing.
129.) Why do the living “rejoice” when the order comes to throw out the corpses?
It makes more room for them, to move around.
130.) What is the author trying to say about the prisoners at this point?
They are waiting to die. They spend one night after another in torture waiting to die.
131.) How do the prisoners in the wagon act like animals?
They act like animals. They strangle each other to death. If a crumb is thrown to the floor, they go after it like animals.
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 started it because it is their way of making fun of the prisoners. They don't empathize or feel pain at all.
133.) Why doesn’t Wiesel join in this scramble for food?
Elie doesn't move for the piece of bread because he knows he is not strong enough to get into a battle for a piece of bread.
134.) How are Meir and his son similar to other fathers and sons Wiesel describes?
It is the father providing the love and the loyalty when the child becomes greedy. In the wagon, the son gets him and his father killed because of bread. It was the son's or child's fault for them dying.135.) What is the author saying about how the concentration camp affects the bonds between loved ones?
Some get closer, bonded by the will to survive. Others become separated because the latter is weaker.
136.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz stops a man from strangling Elie.
137.) What advice does Wiesel’s father give Katz in an attempt to save him?
He tells him to not give up hope.
138.) How does Meir Katz save Elie Wiesel’s life?
Meir Katz saves Elie from strangulation as Elie was sleeping.
139.) Why is it that Wiesel “could have wept with rage” when his father begs for rest upon arrival at Buchenwald?
Elsie is angry because his father was ready to "Give in" to death.
140.) Why does Elie feel that he is arguing “with death itself”?
His father is delusional and wants to just die.
141.) Why does Wiesel leave his father when the sirens wail, and how does he feel about this later?
He as trying to save himself and later he feels guilty.
142.) Is his father angry at Elie for deserting him?
No, he doesn't seem so.
143.) What emotions does Wiesel experience that last week as he watches his father die?
He feels ashamed that he couldn't have done better to protect him.
144.) Why does Wiesel decide to be an “invalid”?
He didn't want his dad.
145.) Why doesn’t he see his father die and why doesn’t he cry?
He knows that he has to keep living, and he was out of tears.
146.) What are Wiesel’s thoughts during the months after his father’s death?
He doesn't think much.
147.) What would have happened if the children had gone to the assembly place, as ordered?
They would've been killed.
148.) Why do the SS men flee the camp?
They were outnumbered and overpowered and then th first American tank shows up.
149.) When is Wiesel finally freed?
The tank shows up.
150.) Why is Wiesel sent to a hospital after his liberation?
He is near death because of some poison.
151.) The book ends with a haunting sense of hollowness. Why do you think the author ends with this tone?
Because that sense of hollowness is what the halocaust did to the Jews, and he will never forget.