4.10-Bell-ringer, Journal Entry Topics, Night Discussion Questions

Bell-ringer:

Use the following words in an original sentence; your sentences should be at least ten words long.

1.      Narrate- verb- to tell a story

2.      Nefarious- adjective- extremely wicked

3.      Negate- verb- to deny

4.      Negotiable- adjective- able to be negotiated or bargained

5.      Nil- noun- nothing

Journal Entries: Anne Frank--Choose one of the topics below that you have not already written about. For the second journal entry, the requirement is three paragraphs. 

Option A- We quickly learn that Mrs. Van Daan is a superficial person who probably only married her husband for money. Describe the perfect person to date. Are your ideals superficial? Does personality matter more than appearance? What are the best qualities a person can have?

                                                            

Option B- Anne’s relationships with adults vary widely. With some, she is friendly and cordial. With others, she is combative and antagonistic. She believed that many adults just did not understand her. What are some things that you wished adults (in general) better understood about you? Why? Why don’t they understand these things?

Option C- Assume you had to hide from those who wanted to imprison and ultimately destroy you. Where would you go? Why would you go there? How would you provide for yourself? What would you do to occupy your time?

Journal Entries: Night--Choose one of the topics below that you have not already written about. For the second journal entry, the requirement is three paragraphs. 

Option A: Like any teenager, the speaker’s relationships with each of his parents are complex. Choose one of your parents and discuss the complexity of your relationship with him/her. Maybe the expectations that are set for you are too high; perhaps this parent is absent or uninvolved with your life. Hopefully, there are some positive aspects of the relationship.

Option B: Eliezer poses a profound question: “How was it possible that men, women, and children were being burned and that the world kept silent?” If confronted with this question, how would you answer?

Option C—Like any relationship, Elie Wiesel’s relationship with God is fluid—frequently changing. What are your honest thoughts on a higher power? Do not simply regurgitate what you have learned from your parents or church—write about your honest thoughts.

 Option D—Hope and fear are two of the strongest forces in this world. A leader can manipulate followers by using these two forces. People have acted in remarkable ways because of fear and/or hope. Of the two, which do you think is more powerful?

Night: Chapters 1-3 Discussion Questions

1. Why do you believe Wiesel began his story with Moishe the Beadle?

2. What part does religion play in Sighet? In Eliezer’s life? 

3. Describe the progression of oppression of the Jews in Sighet. How did they react each time?

4. Describe the conditions in the cattle car. Your description should appeal to all five senses: sight, smell, hear, taste, and touch.

5. Do you believe Mrs. Schächter was insane, having a vision of what was to come, or hallucinating? Could there be another explanation?

6. Describe Elie’s description of being separated from his mother and sisters. Why do you think he only mentions Tzipora by name? He had two other sisters. 

7. On page 31, Elie describes the younger Jews rallying support for a revolt. Who puts an end to these thoughts? Why did they not go through with the idea? Would they have been better off had they revolted?

8. While describing his first day in Auschwitz, the author uses many short sentences strung together. What affect does this have? Why would the author choose to write this way?

9. Why did Elie lie to Stein? Was his lie defensible? When did Stein stop visiting?

10.  Elie talks about how his faith and his God were killed the first night in Auschwitz. Even still, he prays, sings hymns, and discusses his faith. How can he talk about losing his faith and still act like he has not lost it?

10. Elie talks about how his faith and his God were killed the first night in Auschwitz. Even still, he prays, sings hymns, and discusses his faith. How can he talk about losing his faith and still act like he has not lost it?