Transcript Night - Chapter 3 discussion questions

NIGHT - CHAPTERS
3-5
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
CHAPTER 3
◦Re-read the first part of page 32 (“Never
shall I forget…”). Discuss the motif of
night, both in this passage and in the text so
far.
CHAPTER 3
◦Fire is another important motif in this
chapter. How is the motif of fire used, both
literally and figuratively?
◦Re-read the paragraph at the bottom of
page 33 (“Those absent no longer
touched…”). What is the emotional state of
the Jews? How are they reacting to the
situation? Does this surprise you, or make
sense (or neither)?
CHAPTER 4
◦Elie describes two hangings—he tells the reader
that he witnessed many others, yet he chose to
write only about these two. Why are these two
hangings so important to him? How do they differ
from the others?
CHAPTER 4
◦Why do you think the Germans chose to hang a
few prisoners in public at a time when they are
murdering thousands a day in the crematoriums?
CHAPTER 4
◦When the young boy is hanged, a prisoner asks, “for
god’s sake, where is god?” Elie hears a voice answer,
“where is he? This is where—hanging here on this
gallows…” what does this statement mean? Characterize
the tone.
CHAPTER 5
◦What comment does the behavior of fathers and sons
in this portion of the book (chapters 3-5) make on the
theme of self-preservation versus family
commitment?
CHAPTER 5
◦Explain the transformation that has taken place in
Elie’s faith since the beginning of the memoir. How
do his thoughts and actions portray the theme of
struggling to maintain faith?
CHAPTER 5
◦“I’ve got more faith in Hitler than in anyone else. He’s
the only one who’s kept his promises, all his promises,
to the Jewish people.” What does this statement
mean? Do you agree/disagree? Explain.