Night2007

This is the second year in my 8th grade English class that I am having students read the Nobel Peace Prize winning book //Night// by Elie Wiesel. I am excited to have this page available for students to study the novel in a more immediate and collaborative way. I am hoping that other classes and people who have also read the book or have more information on surviving a concentration camp during The Holocaust will contribute as well.

AC students must put their name next to their answers in order to get credit in the grade book*** Also, any wrong or strange answers will be deleted by Mrs. Phelps**


 * Pre-Reading**
 * 1.**The following is a link to Elie Wiesel's biography, follow this link and list at least two of the awards that he has won for his work. [|Elie Wiesel's Biography]

Eric S.-The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honor awards. Travis M. - The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honor awards. Shannon S - Elie Wiesel received the Nobel Peace Prize and the French Legion of Honor. Steven S. - Elie Wiesel won the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Liz H.- He recieved the Nobel Piece Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Austin R- Eliezer Wiesel won the Nobel Peace prize for speaking out in Night against racism and violences, in 1986. He as well received the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for his piece. Amanda G.- he won the french legion of honor and the nobel peace prize. Aaron H.-he won the nobel peace prize in 1986 and the congressional gold medal of honor in 1985. Robin K.- The Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Emily L.- The Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom Alison G.- The Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Ashley C.- Congressionl Gold Medal of Honor and the Nobel Peace Prize. Sam L.- An honorary knighthood in London, England and the Medal of Liberty Award. Jessica R.- The Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Sarah P.- He won the Nobel Peace Prize and the Medal of Liberty Award. Eric W. Elie Wiesel was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Jake T. Wiesel was given the nobel peace prize and the French Legion award.


 * 2.** From Elie Wiesel's biography, explain one of his current humanitarian projects and explain its importance in today's world. [|Elie Wiesel's Biography]

Eric S.- The Echo Foundation allows people to speak about justice and things that are not right in the world.

Shannon S - He is currently attempting to call attention to the many issues in Darfur. He spoke about such problems and also went before the UN security council to make Darfur's crisis more known. This is particularly important because a mass genocide is taking place in Darfur, similar to the Holocaust. Many people in Darfur are being killed and tortured and not many people or countries have attempted to bring aid to those who are suffering. His words may bring awareness and help to the Darfur situation.

Steven S.-The Echo Foundation allows people to speak about justice and things that are not right in the world.

Liz H- He is currently a professor at Boston College teaching the subject of called "humanities." I think this is excellent because he is informing young people, our future, that events like the Holocaust do happen and he isteaching ways to prevent inhumane actions.

Aaron H.-Wiesel has become a great speaker about the holocaust and has pushed many issues in Israel. He has helped many cases in which jews are in trouble in the Soviet Union (Russia) and in Ethiopia. He has become a great leader in gaining back freedom and lives for holocaust survivors today.

Emily L. - He is a professor at Boston college and is teaching his students about humanities. This i think is good b/c it will open students eyes to see that every day things like the holocaust do happen. maybe not as drastic but over years if certain things aren't stopped it will get worse.

Austin R.-He has appeared with George Clooney in front of the United Nations Security Council about the "humanitarian crisis" in Darfur.

Sarah P.- Elie Wiesel is a current professor at Boston college and teaches his students about the topic "humanity." I think this is great because he is telling the young people that the things that happened in the Holocaust may happen today.

Eric W. He, along with his Echo Foundation, is currently attempting to bring knowledge of the situation of Sudanese Darfur to powerful nations in order to provide these countries with the information they need to help alleviate the situation in the region.

Travis M. - "The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference." I think its best to voice your opinion about things (to show you care), then to say it doesn't matter to you (showing indifference).
 * 3.** Using the same link above, tell me which of Elie Wiesel's notable quotes is your favorite. Why?

Shannon S - "Always question those who are certain of what they are saying." When people are positive that they are correct and that they know what's best, they most likely did not think of the downsides of their opinions. If they are so confident in themselves that they believe they can't make a mistake, they are more apt to actually make a mistake.

Steven S. - He said "I don't think we should ever comment." I think that thats cool because he feels so confident in himself that he feels he does not need to comment.

Liz H-"Take sides. Neutrality helps the opressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, not the tormented." I love this quote because it encourages people to be mentally strong and to show others that you are not afraid to make your own decisions.

Amanda G.-'always question those who are certain of what they are saying'. I think its ironic that u would question someone who is so sure of themself. and its true because usually when someones sure they have there mind set on one thing and they dont think of what any other consequences may be.

Aaron H.-"Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." I find this to be very true once I think about it. This speaks to me in great ways because of the studying of the holocaust and my known knowledge of world war 2.

Robin K.- "A dark flame had entered my soul and devoured it." I like this quote because it is the one I can most relate to. I see it as if something bad happens in your life and you just can't forget about it.

Emily L.- "Man is defined by what troubles him, not by what reassures him." I like it b/c it's saying that someone only questions and wonders when something is bothering them, but when they know for a fact they don't even care. I like it b/c most things i think about instead of just blowing it off. it's good to enjoy every moment of every day.

Austin R.-"Could one fall asleep here? Wasn't it dangerous to lower ones guard, for even a moment, when death could strike at any time?" This quote may not be one to seem notable to many, but to me it represents how paranoid people became during these hardships making my little hardships nothing to me.

Eric S.-"Could one fall asleep here? Wasn't it dangerous to lower ones guard, for even a moment, when death could strike at any time?" This quote may not be one to seem notable to many, but to me it represents how paranoid people became during these hardships making my little hardships nothing to me.

Alison G. -"Always question those who are certain of what they are saying." I like this quote because it reminds me of my life. I always think I'm right, pretty much no matter what. Then I usually find that I'm wrong.

Sam L.-"Always question those who are certain of what they are saying." Because it is a reminder that no everyone is right because you never know when your question will change someones perspective.

Jessica R.- When he said "Man is defined by what troubles him, not by what reassures him" it made me think that if someone thinks about you and gets to know you, they will see all of your fears and that is maybe what makes people jugde you on. They won't think of what exactly comforts you.

Sarah P.- " Take sides. Neutrality helps the opressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, not the tormented."" Take sides. Neutrality helps the opressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, not the tormented." I like this quote because it is telling you don't be afriad of making your own decisions, and it shows how strong you are on the inside.

Eric W. "Always question those who are certain of what they are saying." This is my favorite quote because it is applicable to almost every situation imaginable. For example, in math, one is most likely to make a calculating error when most positive. If someone is not fully confident in their answer, that person would check his/her calculations and often find the error.

Jake T. "Man is defined by what troubles him, not by what reassures him." I like this quote because I also believe that you can find out what people are like when they're scared. But when they are being reassured they are comfortable and can confine their personality easier.

Eric S.- about 6 million people.
 * 4.** List the estimated numbers of Jews, Gypsies, Handicapped, Homosexual men, and Jehovah's Witnesses that were killed by the Nazi Regime.

Travis M. - The estimated number is about 6 million people.

Shannon S - About 6 million of these people were murdered.

Sam L.- About six million were killed but an exact amount is unknown.

Steven S - About 6 million people were killed.

Liz H- An estimated total of about 6 million people were murdered by the Germans.

Amanda G.-about 6,000,000 (6 million)

Aaron H.-about 6 million were killed during the holocuast.

Robin K.- About 6 million

Emily L.- about 6 million

Austin R.-200,000 – 800,000 Gypsies, 200,000 – 300,000 people with disabilities, 80,000-200,000 European Freemasons, 100,000 communists 10,000 – 25,000 homosexuals, 2,500 – 5,000 Jehovah's witnesses and 5.934 million Jews died.

Alison G.- About six million people were killed.

Jessica R.- About 6 million people were killed during the Holocaust.

Sarah P.- Approximately 6 million Eric W. I have inserted a chart showing the estimated total casualties of groups of people caused by Nazi genocidal policies. Roma, Sinti, and Lalleri are Gypsy groups. Jake T. Some 6 million people were killed.
 * European Jews || 5,600,000 to 6,250,000 ||
 * Soviet prisoners of war || 3,000,000 ||
 * Polish Catholics || 3,000,000 ||
 * Serbians || 700,000 (Croat //Ustasa// persecution) ||
 * Roma, Sinti, and Lalleri || 222,000 to 250,000 ||
 * Germans (political, religious, and Resistance) || 80,000 ||
 * Germans (handicapped) || 70,000 ||
 * Homosexuals || 12,000 ||
 * Jehovah’s Witnesses || 2500 ||


 * 5.** What are the roots of Antisemitic behavior?

Eric S.- in the time of the Roman Empire Jews were killed by the Romans almost 2000 years ago.

Steven S.- In the time of the Roman Empire Jews were killed by the Romans, almost 2000 years ago.

Travis M. - The Germans considered themselves "racially superior" and the Jews "inferior" and they felt the need to destroy those inferior to them.

Shannon S - At the roots of antisemitism is the splitting of the Christians and the Jews back around the time of Christ. Christians began to believe that they were right and all Jews were wrong in all of their opinions. They began to blame the Jews for all catastrophes; the ghettos then sprung up in the 15-1600's.

Liz H- Antisemitic behavoir is the Germans feeling "superior" over all other races simply because someone was handicapped or believed in a different religion. In reality I believe that the Germans were the "inferior" ones for they were so small-minded to believe any one race was better than the other.

Aaron H.-Some antisemitic behavior for the nazis goes back to world war 1 and the loss of this battle. They needed somebody to blame for the loss and they chose jews because the nazis were a much more superior race. To say exactly how antisemitic behavior began I cannot do but I know it goes back to ancient Rome and Greece.

Emily L.-The roots are finding differences between two people. then judging them on that. not in a positive way. For example the nazis against the jews. either people are all different or they're all the same.

Austin R.-Antisemetic behavior stems from hatred and fear of Jews and their faith.

Sarah P.- Antisemetic behavior is from the Germans thinking that they're the only race that is better, and for the hatred on the Jews( Anti-Jewish).


 * Reading 1 (Chapter 1 only)**
 * 6.** How important is religion to the way Eliezer--the main character--defines his identity?

Eric S.- Religion is important to him

Steven S.- Religion is really important to Eliezer and he studys Kabbalah and goes to the Synagogue to pray.

Travis M. - It is very important. He is young and wants to study Kabbalah. Every day he studies the Talmud and at night he goes to the synagogue.

Shannon S - Religion to Eliezer is extremely important. Each day he studied the Talmud and each night he visited the Synagogue. He even asked his father to find a master to teach him even more about the cabbala. He feels a great love for his religion and God.

Liz H- To Elie religion is very important. He is excited to learn more about the Kabbalah that he asked his father to find a master to teach him in advance. Also Elie studied the Talmud and stayed in the synagouge until dark.

Amanda G.- Ellie is a very religious person. he is eager and wants to learn about kabbalah.he would also visit the synagogue.

Emily L.- It was very important to Eliezer. This was very obvious b/c of him wanting to study kabbalah and also visiting the synagogue.

Austin R.-Eliezer's life was completely defined by his family following all of the religion's traditions and his dad was high in the jewish community.

Jessica R.- To me it seemed that religion was very important in Eliezer's life, like the way he was always praying and the way he visited the synagogue almost every day.

Sarah P.- Eliezer's religion was very important to him. He would ask he father for a master to teach him Kabbalah, and he would go to the synagogue almost every day at night.

Jake T. Religion is one of the most important things to him in his life.


 * 7.** Putting aside Eliezer as the main character, place yourself in the character of Mosh the Beadle. While writing in the first person, explain your feelings as you try to warn your community of the coming terror.

Travis M. - My feelings would be anger and sadness. Everyone is refusing to listen to me even though I'm telling them the truth. I guess some things are to horrible to believe.

Shannon S - I am so upset; no one believes the terrible things I have seen. The people must know that this could happen to them at any moment. If only they took me seriously and did not think I was only looking for pity! I have been spared my life to warn others, but I am only taken for a madman. They need to prepare themselves for what is looming ahead.

E. Scherer- I feel extremely sad about the people that will have to go through what I went through. I wish they would have listened to me.

Steven S -I feel very sad about the people who will have to go through what I have. I just wish they would have listened.

Liz H- i feel depressed and worn. I have tried to tell people of the horrible things I have seen, but people say I am only looking for pity or I have simply gone mad. I feel as though I am trying to warn them but my words come out as a language they can not understand.

amanda g.- 'gosh, why wont people listen to me! if they would listen to me they would know what to be expecting!

Emily L.- I'm frusterated b/c people won't belive me when i'm telling them the TRUTH!!

Austin R.-No one believes my insight of what is yet to come for these people. Why they won't believe me shall be their demise!

Alison G.- Why does no one believe me, when I know what I saw? I am not going mad! I am just trying to warn you. Soon...Yes, soon you will see. You will see that you should have listened to me and fled while you still could!

Jessica R.- Oh my goodness! I tried to warn them, why do they refuse to listen to me?? If only you could possibly listen to me and understand what could happen in the future. I am not going mad!! All I wanted was to send everyone a warning, but if you won't listen, then you will only have to find out for yourself.....

Sarah P.- I would be very frustrated and terrified. I would beg them, and tell them all the bad things that would happen to them if they didn't leave.

Jake T. I can't believe that they are ignorant as in not to listen to my warnings! No one believes me!


 * 8.** During the scenes before the actual deportation of the ghettos, there are many examples of similes. Give one example and explain its importance in characterizing the scene.

Travis M. - Our backyard looked like a marketplace. In a marketplace are things of value and in their backyards all their posessions, which are all they had, are scattered on the ground.

Shannon S - "...a weariness like molten lead began to settle in the veins..." All night they have been terror striken and busy with preparations for the deportation. Worry and being uncertain take a heavy toll on the mind as well as the body, such as being filled with lead.

Physically, he was as awkward as a clown. Its importance in characterizing the scene

Liz H- "Our backyard looked like a marketplace..." The marketplace signifies the abundance of valuable items without owners because the Jews of Singhet were no longer allowed to have these items in their possesion.

Robin K.- "They passed me by, like beaten dogs...." I think it explains how tired and exhausted they were even though they still had to move on.

Austin R.-"He closed his eyes, as if to escape time." Mosh is saying that he wants to just leave the pain even for a moment.

E. Scherer- "He closed his eyes as if to escape time." Mosh is saying that he wants to just leave the pain even for a moment.

Alison G.- "Physically, he was as awkward as a clown." He is describing Moishe to be homely and sort of funny looking, like a clown would.

Sarah P.-"They passed me by, like beaten dogs.... I think this means that the people have passed him were exhausted and bruised, that still had to move on.


 * 9.** Throughout the first chapter, the deportees use different techniques to keep morale up and to pass the time. Explain one of these techniques.

Shannon S - Women take time to cook and make knapsacks. Often cooking and organizing will take the mind off of the future and onto the task at hand; keeping them calm

Steven S - They discuss fun things they will do like take vacations when the Nazis leave.

Liz H- People worshipped, women cooked, and the people of the ghettos even set up councils and elected officers to try to show people that everything was going to be okay.

amanda g.-women would cook which kept them busy and to focus on something other than the possible dangers coming.

E. Scherer- People would voice their powerful saying. "we cannot give up."

Robin K- People would voice their optimism saying, "we cannot give up."

Emily L- People think about what they'll do when the Nazi's leave and they also cook to keep there mind off everything.

Austin R.- They believed that the Red Army was nearing their location and the SS would not be able to take them.

Sarah P.- They kept encouraging everyone saying that "we can't give up" and keeping their hopes up by thinking that the red army was nearing and they would be liberated.

Jake T. They hold church services to keep the Jews faith high so they have strength to carry on and be optimistic.


 * 10.** Why do you think Elie Wiesel begins tells his story in the first person perspective? If //Night// were written in the third person, would it be more or less believable?

Shannon S - Elie most likely chooses to tell the story in first person because they actually were his own feelings and experiences. If he had told it in the third person, many people would not have believed the story. In third person, it would have seemed like a horrific fiction novel instead of a person's trials.

Steven S -The reason Elie Wiesel begins his story in first person is because he wrote the story and it is about the pain he went through. It would be less believeable because you would not know if it was true or not.

Liz H- I think Elie chose to write this novel in 1st person because it becomes more effective because of all the emotions. If Elie were to write this novel in 3rd person I believe it would "feel" more like a well thought fiction novel of a non-existing person and time period.

amanda g.- The fact that Ellie told his story in first person gives u the feeling that ur standing right next to ellie being told everything about how he was feeling.

Robin K.- I think he chose to write in 1st person perspective because he's describing his emotions and what was going on around him. If 'Night' were written in third person it would be less believable because a narrator cannot capture emotions.

Emily L.- Personally first person always catches my attention more. If someone is telling an actual story it can help you feel the emotions more and actually feel there pain. 3rd person wouldn't have been as touching or just as important to me. This actually happened to him.

E. Scherer- Elie wrote it in first person because that was how it happened and that it gives it more impact.

Austin R.- Elie wrote it in first preson because that was how it happened and that it gives it more impact.

Alison G.- Elie wrote Night in the first person because it becomes more realistic to the reader. It would have less of an impact on you if he would have written in it third person.

Jessica R.- I think that Elie wrote his story in first person because then you know exactly what went on and you have true opinions of someone who experienced the events. If this story wasn't written in frist person, then I don't think that anyone would've known the feelings of Elie completely and you couldn't get the inside story.

Sarah P.- I think this story should be kept in 1st person perspective because it is describing his emotions and feelings, and with 3rd person perspective it wouldn't be that exciting or interesting.


 * Reading 2 (Chapter 2 and Chapter 3)**
 * 11.** How do the "veteran" prisoners respond when they discover the newcomers have never heard of Auschwitz? How do you account for their reaction?

Travis M. - They couldn't believe their ears and they became angry. They couldn't believe that the whole world didn't know about their suffering.

Shannon S - The veterans are shocked and reply with sarcasim. The veterans almost seem insane at the thought that these people did not know the horrors of Auschwitz.

Steven S - The veteran prisoners are shocked and angry that the prisoners have never heard of Auschwitz. They react in that manner because of all they have been through at Auschwitz and think that the new prisoners should know what it is.

Liz H- The veterans are shocked that the newcomers did not have the slightest idea of what Auschwitz had in store for them. so they become sarcastic and act as if their terrible treatment was nothing to the uninformed world, or that the world simply did not care.

amanda g.-the 'veterans' are basically shocked that people who have auschwitz in there future have no idea how horrible it is or what is in store for their futures.

Emily L.- Yes, they were mad but i think it was more like b/c they went through all that pain and suffering and some people didn't even know about it that it hurt them. There reaction was normal. i mean they can't be angry with the people, they didn't know. it's just something to be upset about.

Austin R.- The inmates tried to help them but became angry and furious because the newcomers hadn't heard of Auschwitz. The inmates realized it was because no one has survived Auschwitz to tell others.

E. Scherer- They can't believe that the Jews didn't know any idea what was coming, so all they did was laugh at him.

Alison G.- They can't belive that the people didn't have any idea of what's comming, so they laugh and make jokes about it.

Sarah P.- They couldn't believe that the people who were coming didn't know anything of what was to come in Auschwitz. So to make humor, they laughed and made jokes to terrify the people.


 * 12.** Why do you think the Germans take away the inmates' personal belongings? Their clothing? Why do they cut off their hair? Tattoo a number on each person's arm?

Shannon S - The Germans take away their personal belongings to sell, and to erase the prisoners heritage. The other things they simply do to de-humanize the Jews. The tatto is also to keep track of them.

E. Scherer- I think that they do all those things to make the Jews feel like they aren't important and the Nazis tattooed them to make them feel like animals.

Steven S -I think that they do all those things to make them feel like they are not important and they tattooed them to make them feel like animals.

Liz H- The Germans believed that by taking away their possesions they would rid of the existance of the Jewish race and people would not be able to distinguish these prisoners. By taking their clothing and shaving their heads they (Germans) feel even more "superior" and the tatto is just away to keep track of them and so they can not fake their identity.

amanda g.-the germans dont want the inmates to be there own person they view them as really no one they probably think that they dont deserve to have a personal identity. the tattoo on the arm is there identity.

Robin K- I think by taking all the Jews possessions the Germans feel more 'superior' more in control of what happens to them. The tattoo is to keep track of the Jews, so they don't have to learn everyone's name.

Emily L.- They take there personal belongings and clothes to sell and make money; everything else is just for torture and really no simple reason and the tattoo is to keep track of the jews.

Austin R.- The Nazis did this to erase you to completely as an individual, making you a prisoner and nothing else.

Alison G.- I think they take the personal belongings because it's just like jail, they don't want people to get into a fight over who has something better than someone else. I think they put tattoos on them to lower their spirits, so they do just what they say, and think that they are nothing more than a code and not worth anything to anyone.

Sarah P.- I think the Germans take their belongings to make a profit out of it. And for the clothing and shaving their heads is to make the Germans feel more powerful and great about themselves. For the tattoo, its just to keep track of who is who instead of remembering their names.

Jake T. They take these things away for their own use to sell, and mark you so they know who you are to keep track of you. Doing these things lowers the morale of the Jews and make them easier to control.


 * 13.** Why does Madame Schachter scream? Why does she later become silent and withdrawn? In your opinion, was she crazy? A prophet?

Travis M. - She thinks she sees a fire but when others look its just darkness. The people were yelling at her, hitting her, and not believing her and maybe she thought she was crazy. I don't think she was crazy because what she saw actually happened. I guess she was somewhat of a prophet.

Shannon S - She has most likely heard of the horrors of Auschwitz such as the creamatorium. She is very frightened and does not know what else to do. She is obviously upsetting people so she is forced to become relaxed. They gag her until she is quiet and under control. I do not think she was crazy, or a prophet. She most likely has just heard of the Auschwitz horrors.

Steven S - She is screaming because she thinks she sees a fire that will burn them up. They have to tie and gag her. I think that everything that happened to her made her crazy.

Liz H-she is probably one of the few informed about Auschwitz and knows about he creamatoria. I think she relizes that they think she is mad and they do not wish to hear her so she stops because she is only frustrating and worring herself. I do not believe she was crazy, but I do think she may have been a warning or a sign of what was to come... just like Moishe.

E. Scherer- Madame Schachter was screaming because she was one of the few about Auschwitz and tat there is a creamatoria.

amanda g.- ithink she screams because she sees a fire but she is the only one who can see it and it scared her like she wasnt expecting it. i highly doubt she was a prophet because that would just be stupid and unreasonable.

Emily L. - She screams b/c she thinks she sees a fire. She then becomes silent b/c she's confused and thinks she's going crazy. i don't think she was going crazy. i belive she did actually see the fire at first but it faded to darkness. i don't think she was a prophet but a sign of what was coming.

Austin R.- She, in my eyes, was a person with insight of how the rest of them were going to die. This insight made her go mad though, but probably so would you if you knew how you would die.

Sarah P.- She was a person that had a sight to see what their desires were, she could see a fire that was going to kill them, but others saw darkness. This mad her go mad. I don't think she was a prophet, but she was a sign for what was coming.

Jake T. She screams because she thinks that she'll be killed by the fire. She became silent and withdrawn because she wasn't used to the torture or abuse that went on. This made her traumatized with fear.


 * 14.** What previous character does Madame Schachter remind you of? What other person has given warnings that were refuted as "crazy"?

Travis M. - Madame Schachter reminds me of Moishe the Beadle. Moishe gave warnings about the Jews being massacred.

Shannon S - Madame reminds me of Moishe who also gave warnings of terrible suffering and pain. I do not think either person was crazy, but no one had ever heard of such horrors so they had reason to find them insane.

Steven S -The character Mosh the Beadle was thought to be crazy and people did not heed his warnings.

Liz H- As I have said in question #13 Moishe and Madame are alike. They have either seen or heard of the Auschwitz terrors but no one else has so they think they are insane or delusional.

amanda g.-moishe the beadle because he was trying to tell people something they wouldnt beleve.

Robin K- Madame Schachter reminds me of Moshie the Beadle. When Moshie gave the Jews warnings the Jews didn't believe him and they thought he was crazy.

Emily L. - She reminds me of Moishe the Beadle. When he gave the jews signals everyone ignored him and thought he was crazy just like Madame Schacter

Alison G.- She reminds me of Moishe the Beadle. They both warn the Jews. They both are deemed crazy. And what both of them said would happen, did.

Austin R.- She reminds me of Moshe the Beadle. They both had insight to coming events of pain and the people thought both were crazy.

Sarah P.- She reminds me of Moshe the Beadle. They both have had warned many people of whats to come

Jake T. She's like beadle in that they are both depicted as crazy, but they warn people of what's to come.


 * 15.** Eliezer tells the reader, "Eight words spoken quietly, indifferently, without emotion. Eight simple words." What are these words and why is Eliezer unable to forget them?

Travis M. - "Men to the left! Women to the right!" That was the moment he left his mother and sister Tzipora forever.

Shannon S - "Men to the left! Women to the right!" He will never forget the last time he saw his sister and mother

Steven S.-"Men to the left! Women to the right!" because he got separated from his sister and his mother.

Liz H- "Men to the left! Women to the right!" This was the last time he eversaw his mother and sister Tzipora.

amanda g.-'men to the left! women to the right!' its the words that separated him from his mom and sister.

Robin K- "Men to the left! Women to the right!" That was the last time he ever got to see his mothers and sisters.

Emily L.- "Ment to the left! Women to the right!" Those were the last words he heard before he never saw his mother and sisters again.

Alison G.- He is unable to forget the words "Men to the left! Women to the right!" because that's the day he got separated from his mother and sisters forever.

Austin R.- "Men to the left! Women to the right! Eliezer is unable to forget that moment and place where he last saw his mother and sisters.

Sarah P.- " Men to the left! Women to the right!" Eliezer will never forget those words because that was the day he last saw his mother and sisters.

Jake T. "Men to the left! Women to the right!" He doesn't forget this because these are the words that seperated him from two of the people he loved.


 * Reading 3 (Chapter 4)**
 * 16.** Do you think the rebels thought they would succeed? If so, how? If not, why?

Travis M. - I don't think they thought about succeeding, but were more concerned that the rest of the world would find out what was actually happening.

Shannon S - I think the rebels were desperate to survive. The will to live can overpower all of a person's ability to make rash decisions. They would not succeed mostly because they were at a disadvantage without many or any guns.

Steven S -No, I think they just wanted to die fighting than die burning in the fires.

Liz H- I believe the rebels just wanted to live or die with their dignity. Although they would have their dignity and pride they were without weapons or help.

amanda g.- i dont think the rebels were thinking period. they just wanted a chance to live and that was wat they did to get it.

Robin K- I don't think they thought they were going to succeed but I think that they would rather die for a cause then to die due to selection.

Emily L- The rebels i think knew they wouldn't succeed but it was worth a try and they wanted to die feeling good. like they did something good.

Alison G.-I think they thought it would just be easier to get killed like this, then suffer just to be killed anyway.

Austin R.- The rebels knew that they would not succeed because the guards had guns and their fathers were begging them not to be foolish. I think some of the prisioners wanted to revolt hoping that somehow the rest of the world would hear and know about Auschwitz.

Sarah P.- I thought that the rebels didn't have the time to think about anything, only the way to survive.

Jake T. I don't think they thought they'd win but they had the attitude that if they're going down they want to take as many people with them as they can.


 * 17.** How does Hannah judge herself for stealing the bread?

Travis M. - A sad smile came across her face when she handed Elie the bread.

Shannon S - She is sad that she had to resort to stealing, but she knows it is neccessary for survival. She knows it was kind, especially to someone who was just beaten.

Hannah judges herself as a thief, but at the same time a hero because she was helping her friends and the other people at the camp.

Liz H- She is happy to help others, but she is upset she has to steal to items to help.

amanda g.-shes disappointed that she stole but happy that she gave the bread to someone who needed it more than her.

Robin K- She is glad to give someone something but disappointed in herself for stealing.

Emily L- She is upset that she stole but then again proud that she could do that to help someone else.

Austin R.- She feels the act of stealing is justified by giving the stolen bread to someone in need.

Jake T. She felt guilty for it, but at the same time I think she knew she must to survive.


 * 18.** The word hunger takes in a new meaning in this section of the book. What does the word mean to Eliezer? What other words have taken on new meaning in this section of the book?

Shannon S - To Eliezer, hunger means danger and terror. Work takes on a new meaning, too. Instead of a job or a task it is now just a meaningless part of life. The word warehouse takes on the meaning of a safer, "easier" place to work as well.

Steven S - The word hunger now means starving to Eliezer. Another word that takes on a new meaning is the word "work." It now means heavy labor not just cleaning your room.

Liz H- Elie associates hunger with near death, unlike the hunger you get in between meals. Another word that takes on a new meaning is the word work. Now Elie thinks of work as hard manual labor.

amanda g.-hunger= bad, but not like 'uhh im so hungry' but more like 'if i dont get food soon i could die.

Emily L.- Hunger is no longer i'm just hungry. now it means literally starving. if food wouldn't be found in the next couple of hours, then you could die. Work has a new meaning. we think of work as cleaning a toilet. there work was like do it or die.

Austin R.- Hunger means weakness and weakness means death. Work meant survival and fear kept everyone working.

Sarah P.- She was happy that she could give that bread to someone that needed it more than her, but she was disappointed with herself that she stole the bread.

Jake T. Hunger is now a fear to Eliezer and means death if it continues.


 * 19.** Why is Eliezer glad to keep his gold crown from the camp's dentist?

Travis M. - The dentist would've kept it for his own good. By keeping his gold crown, Elie might be able to use it to help himself by buying something he needs, like food.

Shannon S - Eliezer is glad he kept the golden crown because he can use it as a bartering chip. He can trade it for food someday.

Steven S - He thinks he might be able to buy a crust of bread with it one day.

Liz H- I think Elie is glad to have his crown because it is all he had left and he could now use it to trade for clothing, food, or blankets.

amanda g.-he can use it to maybe trade for bread or food someday.

Robin K- He is glad because he believes that one day it will be useful, to buy something, some bread or even time to live.

Emily L.- He's glad b/c he may be able to sell it and get something he needs.....important stuff.

Alison G.- He could sell it for something of more importance later.

Austin R.- Eliezer is glad to keep his crown because it is the only thing he has of any value. He thinks he may need it in the future to sell or trade for food or other needs.

Sarah P.- He could sell it to get something that was useful in the future or even to buy some life or time for him to live longer.

Jake T. He was glad he kept it, because the dentist might have taken it for his own and Eliezer could use it in his own likeness.


 * Reading 4 (Chapter 5)**
 * 20.** On Rosh Hashanah, Eliezer says, "I was alone--terribly alone in a world without God and without man. Without love or mercy. I had ceased to be anything but ashes..." Eliezer is describing himself at a religious service attended by ten thousand men, including his own father. What do you think he means when he says that he is alone?

Travis M. - I think he means he doesn't trust in God and shouldn't praise him. All the others are praising God.

Shannon S - He feels alone because he feels that God has neglected the Jews. He does not think that God "deserves" to be praised for allowing such awful things to happen to them.

Steven S.- He feels that God has left him and the rest of the Jews.

Liz H- Elie is feeling alone because he feels if God loved all people that he would not let the Germans rain such horrible treatments upon them. So he feels that if God neglects them, then he neglects God.

amanda g.-he feels alone because he felt like no one could help him and no one loved him.

Robin K - I think he means that since he doesn't trust and praise God anymore, there is no one to lean on.

Emily L.- I don't think he was alone. God was with him. he just wasn't showing the presence he or pretty much any person would want to see. so he felt alone, which anyone would feel.

Alison G.- He no longer believes in anything, so he feels like he has nothing, no one.

Austin R. - He feels that God has left them all. There is no love left in mankind.

Sarah P.- He has felt that at that moment God had left them all there, to die. So he no longer thought the need to believe in anything.

Jake T. He feels alone emotionatly. He sort of feels withdrawn from everyone else in the room and feels he has to fight and get through by himself.


 * 21.** Why does Eliezer direct his anger toward God rather then the Germans? What does his anger suggest about his depth of faith?

Travis M. - Elie thinks God didn't do anything to stop the killing of the Jews and He created the camps. Elie's faith isn't there at that moment but deep down I think he still has his faith but can't believe a God would let this happen.

Shannon S - He directs his anger toward God because he knows that God is not doing anything to stop the Germans even though he has the power to. His faith is very deep, he knows that God has a greater plan for all of them but he still needs to express his feelings.

Steven S - He thinks that God is allowing the Germans to kill them and is not coming to save them from the German army who is killing them.

Liz H- Elie directs his anger towards God because he knows that God creates everything and that he has the ability to stop the Germans but He does not. Yet Elie's faith is still deep because he knows God will give the Germans their "just desserts" in the end, but he is still angered that so many of his brothers perished.

amanda g.- i think he directed it toward god because god 'didnt help him' and all these jews who worshipped god were suffering because they beleve and worshipped him but he didnt do nething and he let many jews die. I think if ellie was able to blame something like that on god and question his power of not helping them, then i would question ellie's faith.

Emily L.- He still has faith in god, it just is deep down. He directs it to god b/c he was taught that God has control of everything. so if he does than why would he allow this. who knows why any of that happened. there must have been some reason. but if god loves his people like we've been taught he mustn't have been sitting up in heaven laughing at the harm that was being done.

Alison G.- He does this because if God is this all-powerful, mercyful being, why would he let the Germans do something like this?

Austin R.- He is angry at God for allowing this to happen. He says that he is strong but not in God. His faith in God is weakened.

Sarah P.- He is anrgy at God because he believed that God let the Germans create those horrible camps, and he believed God didn't want to stop the killings of innocent beings. I think Elie still has faith, but it isnt showing because its way down deep.

Jake T. He believes God could've stopped the torture and death the Germans brought about them. But I don't think he really blames God and is just letting out his anger for what was being done.


 * 22.** Why does Eliezer describe himself as "afraid" of having to wish his father a happy New Year?

Travis M. - He no longer believes in God or that a New Year will be happy.

Shannon S - He does not believe that the new year will be happy and therefore does not want to wish his father something that he himself does not believe.

Liz H- He does not believe that this New Year will be happy. Plus he doesn't believe in religious holidays anymore.

amanda g.-he doesnt think the new year will be happy.

Robin K - He doesn't believe that it's going to be a 'happy new year.'

Alison G.- He does not want to lie to his father, since he doesnt not think the next year will be happy.

Austin R.- Elizer is afraid to wish his father a happy New Year because he knows both his father and himself do not believe God will bring happiness.

Steven S.- He knows that he and his father will most likely die in the new year.

Sarah P.- He doesn't believe that it won't be a happy new year, so he doesnt want to tell his dad something that he, his dad knows the same thing. And he also doesnt believe in the religious holidays.

Jake T. He knows that the New Year wouldn't be happy for any one of them.


 * 23.** Why did his father give him the spoon and knife as his inheritance? Why is this gift so significant?

Travis M. - His father felt his time was up and that he was going to die. It was all he had left.

Shannon S - He had been told to stay behind in the camp, which he thought was going to be a death sentence. He figured that Elie could make use of them, plus it would be his inheritance.

Steven S - His father gives him a spoon and knife because he knows he could die. The gift is so significant because the father is almost giving up and saying he is going to die.

Liz H- Elie's father was told to stay in the which, to him, meant that he would be put to death. So his father gives him the spoon and the knife so Elie could use them or trade with them.

amanda g.-it was all his father had left and his father thought that he would soon die.

Robin K - He gave Elie the spoon and the knife as his inheritance because that is all he had left, that he could say was his. This gift is significant because it could have been the last things of his father.

Emily L.- his father thought he was done, so he gave his lasts to his son. it was so special and significant b/c it was his fathers and he was giving the rest of what he had to his son. maybe not much to us, but everything to Eliezer.

Alison G.- His father gave him these things as a token of his life. Since these are the only things of value he has left, there is a huge significance.

Austin R.- His father gave Elizer all that he had. It would have been the same type of inheritance if their lives were normal. Elizer would have gotten the family inheritance.

Sarah P.- His father gave him that because it was all he had to make to remember his life. Those things are very important because to Eliezer, it was the only thing that could make him remember his father, that say beside him the whole time they were in the camps.


 * 24.** How did the relationship between Eliezer and his father change during their time at Auschwitz?

Shannon S - Elie and his father had always been fairly close, but the crisis of going through such hardships brought them together to become even closer.

Steven S.-There relationship grows stronger because of all the things that they go through together.

Liz H- Elie and his father were close but being in that camp wit strangers brought them even closer, but in a way it brought them farther apart becuase at one point Elie wished his father would die so he could look after his own well-being.

amanda g.- they grow closer because they are all each other have and if they dont make it out of there alive they want to spend there last time on earth together not fighting like a normal parent and child would.

Robin K - I think the relationship between the two of them grows stronger because they learn to rely on each other.

Emily L.- They had a good father-son relationship before the hard times. but during that it brought them even closer. showing them how they had to work together and how much they appreciated each other. especially b/c there end could have been at any moment.

Alison G.- They become closer because all they have is eachother.

Austin R.-When they first arrived at the camp, all that was important to Elizer was that he stayed close to his father. After time passed, survival became most important to Elizer and he knew that father was become a burden.

Sarah P.- They were very close because there were so many strangers and scary thoughts that they would stay close. But being in the camps for so long made Eliezer think that he wished his father would die so he could look after himself. But in the end, Eliezer knew that his father would give up, but they were still close no matter what.


 * 25.** What choices are open to Eliezer and his father when the camp is evacuated?

Shannon S - Elie and his father could either stay as patients in the infirmary or go on the march with the other prisoners.

Steven S - They have the choice to stay in the camp and be abandond or to go on the march with the rest of the camp and the Germans.

Liz H- Elie and his father could stay with the ill or leave the camp with the others.

amanda g.-they can go on the march or stay in the camp with the sick people.

Robin K - They have the choice to stay in the infirmary and his father could either pass as a medic or a patient. Or they would evacuate together.

E. Scherer- The Jews had the choice of either staying at the infirmary to be patients or leave with everyone else

Emily L.- They had the choice of staying in the infirmary to be patients or they had to leave with everyone else.

Austin R.- They are given the choice of staying in the infirmary or leaving with the rest of the prisoners.

Sarah P.- They are given a choice to either stay in the infirmary as patients or march on with the rest of the prisoners.

Jake T. They can remain as patients or leave with the prisoners.


 * Reading 5 (Chapter 6, 7, 8, and 9)**
 * 26.** Rabbi Eliahou, a well respected man by both the inmates and Kapos, lost his son on one of the marches. Why did Rabbi Eliahou's son keep running and allowing the distance to grow between him and his father? Why doesn't Eliezer tell Rabbi Eliahou what he knows? What effect does this story have on Eliezer?

Travis M. - The Rabbi's son kept running because he wanted to get rid of his father and he thought his father was a burden. Elie only remembered after Rabbi Eliahou left and didn't want the Rabbi to know his son went on ahead on purpose. This effects Elie because he doesn't want to lose his father, by giving up on him, like Rabbi Eliahou's son lost him.

Shannon S - His son raced ahead because his father was a weak burden to him. He wanted his chances of survival to be good, and with his father it wasn't. He does not tell Rabbi Eliahou because he knows how devastating it would be to the Rabbi. This story increases the will Elie has to stay with his father and never give up on him.

Steven S - He wanted to lose his father so he did not have to care for him anymore. He does not want Rabbi Eliahou to worry about his son. Eliezer somewhat wants to lose his father too.

Liz H- Eliahou's son kept running because he thought of his father as a burden and he was more concerned about himself. Elie did not want to upset Eliahou by telling him his son left him on pupose. After hearing this story Elie realizes what a mistake it would be t leave his father and how emotionally devestating it would be to his father.

amanda g.-eliahous son kept running because he just wanted to survive and he didnt want to have to worry about his father but just himself. ellie did not want to tell him because he would feel guilty. ellie does not want to leave his father like the rabbi's son did.

Robin K - He kept running because he thought his father was a burden. Elie didn't remember about his son until after Rabbi Eliahou left and he didn't want to tell him the truth. This effects Elie because he doesn't want to give up on his father and lose him like Rabbi Eliahou's son did.

E. Scherer- he was kind of selfish and only wanted to worry about himself and not his father too. he already felt guilty but thought acually admitting it would make him feel guilty. Elie wanted to stay with his father even more than he did.

Emily L. - he was kind of selfish and only wanted to worry about himself and not his father too. he already felt guilty but thought actually admitting it would make him feel more guilty. it made elie want to stay with his father even more.

Austin R.- The Rabbi's son kept running to lose his father and the burden of watching out for him. He probably felt it increased his own chances to survive. Elizer actually forgot that he saw the Rabbi's son and prays to God not to do the same to his own father.

Sarah P.- He wanted to lose his father because he didnt want to care for him anymore. Eliezer didnt want Rabbi to give up hope and die, and that would make him really guilty. Eliezer forgot that the Rabbi's son got trampled until Rabbi asked him. So Eliezer prayed to God, hoping that won't happen to him and his father.


 * 27.** Eliezer and his father, while stuck in the barracks for days without food and water, heard a man playing the violin as though the "soul were his bow." Who was it? Describe the scene where he was giving his final concert.

Shannon S - The violinist was Juliek. Many men who were poorly clothed and freezing are within a too small, dark shed. Many were piled underneath others and unable to breathe. From out of the dark comes the beautiful, elegant sound of a violin playing part of Beethoven's concerto. He played to dead and dying men without end until he died.

Liz H- The person playing the violin was Juliek. He was playing a Beethoveen concerto that he was never allowed to play in the camp before. This was the last concert Juliek would perform and he did it in front of the dead and dying.

Robin K - The violinist was Juliek from Warsaw. He was playing a part of Beethoven's concerto. He was playing in front of dead bodies and some that were barely alive. He played his heart out until he finally died.

E. Scherer- Juliek was the one playing the piano. It was Beethoven concerto. He did it in front of the dead and dying right until he died as well.

Emily L.- Juliek was the one playing the piano. It was Beethoven concerto. he did it in front of the dead and dying right until he died as well.

Austin R. Juliek played the violin in the dark barracks among the dead and dying. It was like he was playing at his own funeral as he was dead in the morning.

Steven S.- The persons name who played the violin was named Juliek. He played until he died.

Sarah P.- The violinist was Juliek. He played among the dying and the dead people. He was playing until he died the next morning.


 * 28.** Eliezer states, "After my father's death, nothing could touch me any more." What does he mean by these words? What do they suggest about his struggle to maintain his identity?

Travis M. - He means that nothing had any effect on him any more. His father was the last thing he had. He is having a hard time trying to maintain his identity.

Shannon S - Elie means that nothing can change his feelings, he has more hatred and less reason to live. He is having a difficult time finding himself and preserving his morals. Now that his father is gone, he is basically vacant.

Steven S - The only reason he wanted to stay alive was because of his father and nothing else mattered. He kind of wanted his father to die but also wanted him to live. He is having trouble trying to maintain his identity because of what he is going through with his father.

Liz H- He means that nothing really mattered to him anymore after his father's death. So he doesn't care making it hard to prreserve the person that he was before.

amanda g.-he feels like he has nothing like his life is just useless and that nothing could be worse or make him feel worse.he is having a hard time keeping his identity and morals since he has no reason to his life anymore.

Emily L.- after his father died he didn't care. his father had become his life and now he was gone. he just doesn't even know who he is.

E. Scherer- he felt that he has nothing left in his life to create any happiness or grief. He no longer has a family now.

Austin R.- He feels that he has nothing left in his life to create happiness or grief. He no longer belongs to a family.

Sarah P.- He feels that he has nothing more in his life because his father was his life and thats the reason he basically wanted to survive for. So he just doesn't care to keep it like the person who he was before.

Jake T. He means that nothing could make him hurt emotionatly anymore because he practicaly lost everything now.


 * 29.** How has Eliezer tried to keep you from responding to his story the way he and his father responded to Moshe the Beadle's story?

Shannon S - Others were there with Elie and everyone now knows that these horrors actually happened. He uses such vivid words. The way he writes the story with such emotion that it has to be believed.

Liz H- He is trying to relate things in the story to things that happen in our lives today. This paints pictures in our minds that this is real and it can happen again.

Austin R.- Elizer told the story like it is. He was very observant. His emotions in the book are written in a way that affects your own mind and you won't forget.

Steven S.- He gives you all the facts and hopes that you will know the truth and horrors of the Holocaust.

E. Scherer- Elie told the story like saw it because that is what hapened before you eyes. So then it just paints pictures of what was going on.

Sarah P.- He told the story like he saw, that it was happening right before your eyes. This way it just paints pictures of what was going on.


 * 30**. Why is it important for Eliezer to remember? Why does he feel the need to tell YOU his story?

Travis M. - It's important for Elie to remember because it affected the outcome of his future. He felt the need to tell me his story to let me know what horrible things can happen in the world.

Shannon S - It is important for him to remember what happened to him because he does not want to forget those who were consumed by the Holocaust. He wants to remember the faces of his dead family and friends whose stories and lives will never be told. He feels the need to tell the world what happened to him because he does not want it to ever happen again. He wants to ensure that everyone knows because knowledge is power.

Steven S - He needs to let the world know the true story of the Holocaust. He needed to tell me because I did not know much about the Holocaust and never thought about it until now after I read his book.

Liz H- Elie remembers so he can inform people that horrible things can, have and will happen in the future and he doesn't want to forget where he came from and how he got where he is todad

E. Scherer- he feels the need to inform and educate people about what really happened so then he can tell his story on how he survived the concentration camp.

amanda g.-he feels the need to inform and educate people about what really happened so that he can tell his story.

Robin K - I think it is important for him to remember because it affected him greatly. I think he feels the need to tell me his story so that we knew what suffering went on during the Holocaust.

Emily L.- the more he remembers then even through all he went through he can feel proud that he lived through the whole thing and can make others aware of how hard it was.

Austin R.- Because he survived, he lived it out, he didn't give in to the pain or the anguish. He told us his story to warn us of what can happen when people are taught how to hate.

Sarah P.- It's important for him to remember because that horrible tragedy had affectedly him in a great way. I think he feels the need to tell us the story so that we knew what the word "suffering" was all about, and what happened during the Holocaust. I also think that he wrote this book to persuade the people that believed that the Holocaust never happened.

Jake T. He wants us to know excactly what happened to the jews in the camps and the hard times they went through.