Night by Elie Wiesel - Part 3

Part 3 – Initiation to Auschwitz (pages 21-43)

Important themes developed in this section include barriers to knowing, dehumanization, and the relationship between father and son. Explore the relationship between knowing, madness, and belief.

Consider the Dehumanization:

 Why does Madame Schächter scream? Why does she later become silent and withdrawn? How do people react the first time she screams? How do they respond when her screams continue?

 On page 27 it reads, “The cherished objects we had brought with us thus far were left behind in the train, and with them, at last, our illusions.” Explain what this means? Be sure to write about the emotional shift that has happened.

 How do the “veteran” prisoners respond when they discover the newcomers have never heard of Auschwitz? How do you account for their reaction?

 Just after they arrive at Birkenau, Eliezer and his father experience the horrors of the crematory,

Babies, Yes, I saw it – saw it with my own eyes…those children in the flames… (p.30)

Summarize how Eliezer’s physical, mental and emotional reaction to the event. How does the story change at this point in the book? How is Elieizer changed?

 Why don’t they tell the new arrivals what to expect?

 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? How does Eliezer respond to the removal of his clothes and other belongings? To the shaving of his hair? The number tattooed on his arm? How do you account for these responses? What is the purpose of this?

 The word night takes on new meaning in this section of the book. Wiesel, in recounting the first night in the concentration camp says, “Never shall I forget that night, the first night in the camp, that has turned my life into one long night.…” What does it mean for a life to be turned into “one long night”? Explain the metaphor in relation to this novel. What has the word come to symbolize?

 Describe the relationship between Eliezer and his father.

 How does Eliezer respond when his father is beaten for the first time? How does that response affect the way he sees himself? What does he fear is happening to him?

 Why do Elizer and his father lie to his cousin? What would be the purpose or benefit of such a lie?

What did you find surprising or difficult to understand in this section of the book?