1. Night Analysis: Chapters 8-9
As they arrive at Buchenwald, what is the only thing that is important to Elie?
Again, death is personified. What “face” does death have at this point? How does death influence Elie’s father?
Describe the camp doctors. What is their role in the operation of the camp?
Explain the relevance of the following quotation: “Listen to me boy. Don’t forget that you’re in a concentration camp. Here, every man has to fight for himself and not think of anyone else. Even of his father.”
Describe the situation surrounding the death of Elie’s father. What is Elie’s reaction to this event?
How and why has Elie’s attitude of indifference been strengthened? Is this indifference a benefit or hindrance to him? Why?
Describe the liberation of Buchenwald.
After the liberation, Elie wrote: “Our first act as free men was to throw ourselves onto the provisions. We thought only of that. Not of revenge, not of our families. Nothing but bread.” What does this quotation say about human nature? Do you believe this would be true of you were in Elie’s situation?
The book ends with the following quotation: “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 see 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.” How has Wiesel changed from the person he was before entering the camps? Justify your answer with an in depth analysis. Provide ample support from the text.