"Night" by Elie Wiesel

What year does the memoir start?

1941

What role did Moishe the Beadle play in Eliezer's life?

A teacher or master

What does it mean when Wiesel says, "He (God) has been hanged here, on the gallows"?

God cannot save them from the gallows and cruelness of the Nazis. I think this because when someone is not there, it can feel like they are gone such as God being hung from the gallows.

What is significant about the style in which Wiesel wrote the preface?

He distances himself by talking in 3rd person view and he asks many questions, though he doesn't have an answer.

What was Wiesel's purpose in writing NIGHT

He felt he had a moral obligation to say something. Wanted to bare witness for victims dead and alive. Wanted to make sure it is never forgotten and it won't happen again.

What difficulties did he face while writing it?

He had troubles finding precise words to show the density of his experience.

Where does Wiesel show rebellion? Why do you think he does it?

He shows rebellion during the Jewish holiday by refusing to kneel. I think he does this because he is mad that God hasn't got them out of this situation and he lost faith.

Why did it take so long for Wiesel to write night?

He wanted to find a way to show what it felt like being a Jew during the Holocaust.

Beyond the loss of Elie's family, what else did he lose forever

His faith. "Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever.

How would you interpret Mauriac's tone towards Wiesel?

I interpret that he is very sorry, and deeply respectful.

Why did he have issues finding a publisher initially?

I was too long and personal. Others were not ready to talk about it yet.

According to Wiesel, in what ways has "Night" been influential?

It became a big part of the high school curriculum. Also made many people more interested on the topic such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Why did he have Marion (His wife) help with the new translation?

She knows how to translate, voice, and transmit very well. She also knew him and knew what he was trying to say.

What troubles did he have once it was published?

The book sold poorly.

What do we learn about Eliezer's identity from the opening pages of the memoir?

We learn that he values his education but he specifically hopes to learn about the Kabbalah religion. The fact that his father doesn't think he is smart enough to learn it, troubles him.