SLOANE

//NIGHT// PREREADING ACTIVITY

Imagine yourself in the following situation: You and your family have been driven from your home. Now separated from them, you are suddenly alone. Shoved into a train like cattle, you are surrounded by screaming women, weeping children, silent old men, and ruthless soldiers. There is no food, no water, horror, and madness everywhere. Having arrived at your destination, you smell the stench of burning flesh: babies, children like yourself. Men and boys are hanged daily. There is only soup and perhaps a few morsels of stale bread to eat. You work until exhausted and are beaten for not marching in step. The gold in your teeth is extracted without anesthesia. Frozen and broken bodies surround you. Weekly you must run like a madman to escape being selected to die in the gas chambers or to burn in the crematory. You can’t even wonder if it will end, and you know that God has deserted you. You try to survive each day and lie through each night!

1. Do you believe something like this could ever happen to you? Why or why not?

2. What would be your first reaction to this horrifying experience?

3. What means might you use to deal with what is happening (example: would you lie, cheat, steal)?

4. Do you think it would be better to give up and die or try to survive?

5. Inhumanity means being inhumanly cruel and brutal. Do you think the world could ever allow this kind of inhumanity to happen again?

6. What kind of punishment do you feel would be suitable for this kind of inhumanity?

7. Do you think this kind of inhumanity could exist in our day and age?

Reading Guide

The following questions are thought questions that relate to various themes and ideas in the reading. Use these questions to guide your reading and better understanding of the novel. Be prepared to share your responses in class discussion or in a writing assignment. Please answer all questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES.

__Chapter 1, pages 1-22__ 1. Why does Eliezer pray and why does he cry when he prays? Eliezer prays for many reasons. He prays because he relies on G-d to answer questions and to pray for the Talmud. Eliezer is not sure why he cries when he prays, he just had a need inside of him to cry. 2. Why don’t people believe Moche’s stories? People don't believe Moche's stories because they think he's crazy and talking non-sense. 3. Site examples of how the Jews gradually lose their freedom. Some examples of how the Jews gradually lose their freedom are they have to move to the ghettos, they lost their jobs, and were put in cattle cars. __Chapter 2, pages 23-28__ 4. What does Madam Shachter’s nightmares about a fire foreshadow? Madam Scachter's nightmares about a fire foreshadow the burning of the Jews at the crematories in Auschwitz. 5. Where does the train finally stop? The train finally stops at the camp of Birkenau. __Chapter 3, pages 29-46__ 6. When questioned by the SS officer, why does Elie lie about his occupation and age? Elie lied about his age so he could show that he was in good condition. He didn't want to show that he was just a kid. Elie lied about his occupation becuase he wanted to show that he was a strong hard worker, which farmers are. 7. Why does Elie disbelieve what his own eyes show him? Elie disbelieves what his own eyes show him because he thinks it's a nightmare. He doesn't want to believe it is really happening and thinks he is going to wake up. 8. Why is Elie now reluctant to pray? Elie is now reluctant to pray because he is questioning his faith. Since all these bad things have been happening, he is starting to believe that G-d doesn't deserve all of the thanks he usually gives. __Chapter 4, pages 47-65__ 9. Why is Elie summoned to the dentist? Elie was summoned to the dentist to get the gold crown in his mouth removed so the Germans can have it. 10. How does Elie react to his father’s beating? Elie reacts to his father's beating with Idek by keeping quiet. He wondered why his father didn't avoid Idek's wrath, because Elie knew he couldn't do anything. 11. Why is the hanging of the “sad eyed angel” said to be one of the most profoundly moving events in the novel? The hanging of the "sad eyed angel" is said to be one of the most profoundly moving events in the novel because it was hard to watch a child being hung in front of thousands of onlookers, which ment it was not a small matter. All eyes were on the child. Also, the SS seemed more preoccupied and worried than usual especially since the //Lagerkapo// refused to do the execution. __Chapter 5, pages 66-84__ 12. What is selection? A selection is when Dr. Megele and other SS doctors check each of the Jewish prisoners. The ones who are in good shape will continue on and won't be put in the crematory. The prisoners who aren't doing as well will get their numbers written down. They will most likely end up in the crematorium. Most people feared selection.

__Chapter 6, pages 85-97__ 13. Why couldn’t Elie allow himself to die? Elie couldn't allow himself to die because he had gone so far he just couldn't give up. Also he had to be there for his dad. Elie was the only reason his dad was alive. 14. Why does Juliek play the violin? Juliek plays the violin cope. Juliek knew he wouldn't live much longer so he played the violin one last time. It was his passion. 15. Compare how the other boys treat their fathers with Eliezer’s treatment of his own father. Elie's treatment of his own father compares to how other boys treat their fathers in many ways. First of all, Elie treats his father very well. When Elie's father was selected to go to the crematorium, Elie chased after him, ignoring the SS. He saved his father and risked his own life. Other boys, like Rabbi Eliahu's son, don't treat their fathers nearly as well. For example, Rabbi Eliahu fell behind on while running. His son noticed he was behind, but still kept on running. He didn't care enough about his father unlike Elie. __Chapter 7-9 pages 98-115__ 16. Why can’t Elizer weep at his father’s death? Elizer can't weep at his father's death because he has no tears left. He has seen so many deaths and cried so many tears it was just too much. 17. When he is finally free, Elie wishes to see himself in the mirror. Why can’t he ever forget the look in the eyes of the corpse that gazes back at him? Elie can't ever forget the look in the eyes of the corpse that gazes back at him because he can't even recognize himself. He looked so deathly that the image was so powerful and it couldn't leave his mind.

Literary Analysis Characterization/Author’s Purpose After page: 34

Elie is a Jewish child who is extremely strong in his faith. He often spent nights in the synagogue weeping and praying. He was preparing himself to be initiating into “eternity.” Then came night.

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky. Never shall I forget those flames, which consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments, which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What does “night’ symbolize to Elie? Why do you think he selected it as the title of his memoir? "Night" symbolizes never ending torture and despair. It symbolizes his sadness and darkness of the whole experience. I think he selected it as the title of his memoir because it was just one long never ending night. 2. What fires does he speak of that consumed his faith forever? Why do these fires consume his faith? He is speaking of the crematory which burned the babies. These fires consume his faith because they are so powerful, and he was thinking that one day that could happen to him. If that did happen to him, Elie would probably believe it was G-d's fault, which makes him lose faith. 3. Do you find it difficult to believe that a boy so devout in his faith could lose his faith? Why? I do find it difficult to believe that a boy so devout in his faith could lose his faith. I believe this because he was so devoted and you can't just lose that devotion over night. It must have been difficult for him and for others to witness that. 4. Why does he lose his desire to live? Elie loses his desire to live because he doesn't want to put up with the sadness of the crematories and losing his family. 5. Elie spoke these words as an adolescent. Do you think that as an adult his feelings have changed? Why? I do not think his feelings has changed as an adult. A lot of feelings do change, but not feeling about something so terrible like what has been happening in the book. Those feelings are hard to change. 6. Why do you suppose Elie wrote this novel? Elie supposedly wrote this novel to show the horror and sadness of the crematories and camps. Also, he probably wanted to get his thoughts out in the open.

Literary Analysis: Characterization Elie explicitly recounts events that describe his relationship with his father during imprisonment in the camps. He also describes events in the relationships of other fathers and sons in the camps.

In your book there are many examples of father-son relationships. Give examples, including the page number of a father son relationship and tell what you think about that relationship, tell why you might or might not have acted in a similar way. This does not have to be done on Elie and his father. There are many other examples of father-son relationships as well. An example has been done for you.

Example: Page 39:

Relationship shown: Elie’s father is struck, but Elie does not move to help him. His father whispers that the blow does not hurt. Although Elie does not move, he feels remorse and hatred toward the gypsy. He is angry and unforgiving.

What I think: Elie is a child and probably fears that if he helps his father, he too will be beaten. His father does not blame him and does not want to see him beaten or do something he might regret; thus, he tells Elie that the blow does not hurt.

I would’ve done: This seems to be a relationship where the father is protective of the son who is young and frightened. I would have acted in the same way if I were the father, thinking that I need to protect my child.

1. Page 43-44

Relationship shown: Stein had lost his wife and kids, but luckily found Elie and his father. Even though is wasn't true, once Elie told Stein he had saw his family and they were good, he was overjoyed. From then on, he helped out Elie and his father by bringing an extra ration of bread every once in a while. What I think: I think that it is nice that Elie helped Stein. Even though it was a lie, the outcome was positive. I would’ve done: I would have done the exact same thing in that situation. Since everything turned out right, I wouldn't do anything differently. 2. Page 49-50

Relationship shown: Elie wanted to be near his father at all times. He made sure they worked next to each other. What I think: I think this is sweet and good. A father should never separate from his son, so they should do what ever it takes so they stay together. I would’ve done: I would have done the same thing in this case. I would want to be with my father no matter what. 3. Page 55-56

Relationship shown: Elie's father didn't want Elie to give up his gold crown so whenever he marched bad, Franek was able to abuse him until Elie gave him the crown. To help out, Elie gave his father lessons in marching in step, in keeping time. They would practice in front of the block while the inmates would make fun of them.

What I think: Elie's father wanted Elie to be good when the war was over. It was very brave of him. Also, Elie helped his dad march. This meant he really wanted him to succeed and not be harmed. I would’ve done: I would have done the exact same thing if I were the father. Risking my life for a son is a father's job. He did the right thing. Also, I would do the same thing if I were the son. Even though he put himself first, that's what his father wanted. Plus, he tried to do everything he could to help out his dad. 4. Page 90-91

Relationship shown: This relationship is between Rabbi Eliahu and his son. They lost sight of one another on the road. Rabbi Eliahu fell behind, and his son kept on going. Rabbi Eliahu is searching for his loving lost son, while his son is happy that a burden had been freed. What I think: This is just plain sad. I can't believe a son would just abandon his father, after all they have been through. Also, Rabbi Eliahu loved his son so much, and wouldn't stop looking for him even though he left his father. I would’ve done: If I were the son in this situation, I would have been with my dad. I would have went behind with him. Even though that meant me being behind, and possibly dying I wouldn't care. I would stick with my father through thick and thin. 5. Page 101

Relationship shown: This relationship was between a boy named Meir and his dad. While on the wagons, little pieces of bread were being thrown into the wagons. People would do anything to get a piece. Meir's dad happened a find a crumb. Then his own son, Meir, threw himself onto his father. Meir didn't recognize him, even though all he wanted to do was share it with his precious son. Meir took a hold of the bread, killing his father, then dying himself because of other men wanting the bread. What I think: I think this is horrible. When a son has to kill his own father just for a piece of bread, things obviously must be bad. I honestly can't believe it came down to that. I would’ve done: If I were the son (Meir) I would not have killed my father. He offered to share it, plus I love my dad. If I were the father, I wouldn't be so generous to an ungrateful son. I would be very upset, which wouldn't matter because I would probably die either way. 6. Page 112

Relationship shown: Elie's father was taken to the crematorium. His last word was Elie's name. Elie didn't weep, which pained him. But he was out of tears. What I think: Elie has been through so much. Of course he missed and loved his dad very much, he just couldn't cry. It wasn't his fault he has just been through everything horrible in life, and was just too heartbroken. I would’ve done: This relationship is where even through Elie loves his father so much, he couldn't cry. I probably would have felt the same way and done the same thing if I were the son.

__Night__ Irony

Read each passage below. Explain what is //ironic// about the meaning of the passage.

1. “but we had been marching for only a few moments when we saw the barbed wire of another camp. An iron door with this inscription on it: ‘Work is liberty!’ “ (page 40) In the passage, it says that they were about to enter a barbed wire camp, with an iron door with an inscriptions which reads 'Work is liberty!' The irony is that they are trapped in by barbed wire. You can't really be free. 2. “Some of the prominent members of the community came…to ask him what he thought of the situation. My father did not consider it so grim…’The yellow star? Oh well, what of it? You don’t die of it…’ ” (page 11) The yellow star in the passage symbolizes the Jewish people. The irony is you can't die because of the start itself, but you can die for being Jewish. 3. “On we went between the electric wires. At each step, a white placard with a death’s head on it stared us in the face. A caption: ‘Warning, Danger of Death.’ ” (page 40) The passage says at each step, a white placard with a death’s head on it stared us in the face. A caption: ‘Warning, Danger of Death.' The irony is everywhere they went there was a danger of death. 4. I’ve got more faith in Hitler than anyone else. He’s the only one who’s kept his promises, all his promises, to the Jewish people.” (page 51) In the passage, they say they have faith in Hitler keeping his promises to the Jewish people. The irony is his promises are about death and killing the Jews.

Inhumanity

//Night// is filled with thoughts and comments that reflect inhumanity of World War II. Explain what each of the following excerpts from the novel mean.

1. “The world? The world is not concerned with us. Today anything is allowed. Anything is possible, even these crematories.” (page 33) This excerpt from the novel is saying that all these bad things are happening, and people aren't doing anything to stop it. It's saying that these terrible thing, like the crematories, are possible and the world is allowing it. That's inhumane. 2. “Work makes you free.” (page 40) The inhumanity in this excerpt, is that you have to work to be free. You should just be free, and not have to work for it. Also, even though they work and they still aren't free. That's not right. 3. “we were not afraid. And yet, if a bomb had fallen on the blocks, it alone would have claimed hundreds of victims on the spot. But we were not longer afraid of death; at any rate, not of that death. Every bomb that exploded filled us with joy and gave us new confidence in life.” (page 60) In this excerpt, it says the Jews were done dealing with death, which should be an extremely sad event. There have been so many, that they were not afraid to die anymore. Every bomb gives them joy and confidence in life, which isn't humane. It should make them sad but they can't be sad anymore than they already are. 4. “I witnessed other hangings. I never saw a single one of the victims weep. For a long time those dried up bodies had forgotten the bitter taste of tears.” (page 63) This excerpt is inhumane because Elie has watched many hangings and doesn't see any of them cry. That's because they don't remember how to cry since they weren't allowed to shed a single tear. That's just upsetting in so many ways.