Night: wkst 8 + 9

Directions: Answer each question with a complete sentence. It is best to incorporate the question as part of the answer.

1. In section 8, Eliezer’s father dies. In this section, the father-son role is completely reversed. Eliezer is forced to care for his father. Describe an instance where Eliezer acts like the parent, and his father acts like a child.

2. Eliezer runs to meet someone who he mistakes to be his father. “Seeing my father in the distance, I ran to meet him. He went by me like a ghost, passed me without stopping, without looking at me. I called to him. He did not come back. I ran after him: ‘Father, where are you running to?’ He looked at me for a moment, and his gaze was distant, visionary; it was the face of someone else. A moment only and on he ran again.” Was this man really his father, or can’t Eliezer even recognize his own father amid all of these horrors?

3. This ghostlike vision is presented to Eliezer just before his father actually dies. This whole scenario seems very surreal and mystical. Is this God’s way of letting Eliezer know that his father will be moving on to a better world?

4. Some might say that in this passage the running man represents God. Eliezer has been trying to understand why a caring God would allow the horrors of these concentration camps. Here, God is represented as an unheeding man running and looking off into the distance. Moishe the Beadle said something to the effect of, “learn to ask the right questions.” Why do you think the author relates this seemingly insignificant story into his novel?

5. In section 9, the narrative is basically over. With his father’s death, Eliezer becomes a child again and is transferred into the children’s block. This switch is important. With no one to care for, Eliezer stops caring for himself as well. He is moved to the children’s block so others might care for him. Does this change in Eliezer seem realistic? After all he has endured, do you think he now just gives up?

6. Eliezer briefly mentions revenge after being liberated. Why won’t revenge satisfy Eliezer (or anyone else who survived the Holocaust?)

7. After stating that he sees a “corpse” looking back at him, Eliezer adds, “The look in his eyes, as they stared into mine, has never left me.” He seems to be saying that the young boy from Sighet is dead, but part of that young boy is still with me. What is the change that that Eliezer has undergone, from the innocent boy who left Sighet? What has remained as part of that innocent boy of Sighet?

8. It is said, “That which does not kill you, only makes you stronger.” Do you agree?

9. Is it only bad, horrible things that change us, make us more “adult”? Or can good, wholesome things change us into strong, competent adults?