 1. What are the conditions of the cattle wagon?  2. How was Mrs. Schachter able to see the flames from the furnace beforehand?  3. What is tone?  4. What is the significance of the refrain in the poem, “To the Little Polish Boy?”

 Symbol: something concrete that stands for something abstract.  Denotation: definition meaning of a word  Connotation: What is often associated with a word.

 Symbolism can be used to add meaning that goes beyond what is literally being said.  Connotation of words can reveal an author’s tone and mood.  Connotation of a repeated image or word can also help reveal symbolism.

 Dove: Peace  Red: Passion, anger  American Flag: Patriotism  Four leaf clover: Good luck

 Consider the theme (what the author is trying to convey) of the literary work.  Are words or phrases repeated?  Consider the connotations of words used in important passages.  Think of the subjects explored in the story.

 Connotation: What meanings, associations, or emotions do the word, “Night” suggest?  Sleep, loneliness, death, depression, evil, fear, darkness, dreams, nightmares, sadness, ghosts, mystery, suspicion, cold, anxiety, pain

 Why did Elie witness and experience his first night in camp?  The elderly being shot in cold blood  He was separated from his mother and sister.  He lied about his age to save his life.  He saw children and adults being burned alive.  He smelled burning flesh.  He heard children and people screaming.  He saw people being beat like animals.

1. Based on the connotation of “night” what does Elie mean when he says that his first night in camp has turned his life into one long night?  Elie’s life after the Holocaust was most likely filled with pain, loneliness, nightmares, and a difficulty for him to enjoy joyful events as he often thought of all those who suffered at and died during the Holocaust.

1. What does “Night” symbolize for Elie?  The absence of God

1. What is the “silence” that Elie is referring to?  The silence of God and the world as no one came to stop the Nazi or help the Holocaust prisoners.

How does the connotation of night (nighttime) help to develop the symbolism of night (the absence of God)? Use our class discussion and examples from the text to explain this question in more detail.