Night
by Elie Wiesel
As we read this
Holocaust account, comment on the class blog at http://night13.edublogs.org. Follow the class instructions in the updated Assignment Sheet and be prepared
for in-class discussion. Explore the
links provided by the blog for more Holocaust information.
Copies of the
prompts for each section are given below.
Refer to the examples to help you
focus your comment posts.
Section 1, pgs 1-20
Read section one of
the book. In your comments,
post at least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that respond to the book.
Use quotes as necessary (include page numbers). Refer to the opening page if the questions
below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
Reflect on the role
of “night” or nighttime in the first section.
Discuss how Eli’s
faith plays a role in his view of the world and its changes.
Section 2, pgs
21-26
Read section 2 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
What is ironic
about the train journey (inside vs. outside of the boxcar)?
What does Madame Schächter’s vision foreshadow about coming events? What else does this episode suggest about the
events to come, or about what is happening at this point?
Section 3, pgs
27-43
Read section 3 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
Why do the
“dehumanizing” techniques work on the prisoners?
Talk about the
discussion of faith that occurs in this chapter. If it were you, would you have the same
questions for God?
Why does Elie lie to Stein?
Section 4, pgs
44-62
Read section 4 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
What is the
significance of items like the shoes, the gold crown, and the work assignments?
Why doesn’t Elie defend his father (this is the second time he chooses
not to)?
Why does Elie say God has hung himself on the gallows?
Section 5, pgs
63-80
Read section 5 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
As the theme of
“religion failing” is developed, what does Elie feel
is the worst part about life?
How is suspense
employed in this chapter?
What is Ironic for Elie about the march?
Section 6, pgs
81-92
Read section 6 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
What does Elie pray for? Why?
What is the effect
of the music in the chapter?
Section 7, pgs
93-98
Read section 7 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
Have the prisoners
lost their humanity? (Think of fighting
over crumbs, how they treat each other)
How many reach the
final destination? Why?
Section 8, pgs
99-106
Read section 8 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
Do his father’s
statements at the beginning of the chapter foreshadow the final moments of the
book? Where have you seen statements
like this before (go back and cite other sections if necessary)
How do you feel
after reading this chapter?
Section 9, pgs
107-109
Read section 9 of
the book. In your comments, post at
least 3-4 sentences in a paragraph or as single thoughts, that
respond to the book. Use quotes
as necessary (include page numbers).
Refer to the opening page if the questions below do not help you begin.
Prompts:
The bulk of this
chapter is factual–the end of the episode.
Read the following quote several times.
What does this quote express to you about Elie,
the situation, or what is your reaction?
One day I was able
to get up, after gathering all my strength.
I wanted to see myself in the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. I had not seen myself since the ghetto.
From the depths of the mirror, a corpse gazed
back at me.
The look in his eyes, as they stared into mine,
has never left me.