Question

Wiesel has dedicated his life to ensuring that such a Holocaust will not be repeated.

What does Wiesel mean when he says "but they did not die alone, for something in all of us died with them?
Go back to page 1 and reread the excerpt from the memoir "Night" and answer questions 16-20. What words or phrases are repeated? Why does Wiesel repeat these words/phrases?
What images does he describe?
Look at the use of the noun "nocturnal". Write down what you think the word "nocturnal" means. Support your guess with evidence from the context. Then, look the word up in a dictionary and write the actual definition. How close were you to guessing the word's actual meaning?
What does Wiesel mean when he says "never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust?
What might the word "night" symbolize? Why did Wiesel name his memoir "Night?"

Answer 1

Wiesel repeats the words 'night' and 'I will never forget' to emphasize the impact of the Holocaust on him. He describes various images, including the filth and the church. The word 'nocturnal' means happening at night, which aligns with the repeated mentions of 'night' in Wiesel's memoir. Wiesel's statement about forgetting represents the shattering of his faith, identity, and dreams. The word 'night' symbolizes the darkness and horror of the Holocaust.

Step-by-step explanation:

Words or phrases repeated:

Throughout the excerpt, Elie Wiesel repeats the word 'night' multiple times. He also repeats the phrase 'I will never forget' in reference to the unforgettable memories of the Holocaust.

Reason for repetition:

Wiesel repeats these words and phrases to emphasize the significance of the events he experienced during the Holocaust. The repetition helps to create a sense of haunting and lasting impact that these memories have on him.

Imagery:

Wiesel describes various images throughout the excerpt, including the filthy conditions in the back-yards and the bloated, pimpled women at the doors. He also describes the sombre Gothic church and the mass of silent kneeling worshippers.

Definition of 'nocturnal':

Based on the context, 'nocturnal' refers to something that is related to or happening during the night. This can be inferred from the repeated mentions of 'night' in Wiesel's memoir. The actual definition of 'nocturnal' is 'occurring or active at night'.

Meaning of 'never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust':

When Wiesel says this, he means that the horrific experiences of the Holocaust have deeply impacted his faith in God, his own identity, and his hopes for the future. The atrocities he witnessed have shattered his beliefs and aspirations.

Symbolism of the word 'night':

The word 'night' in Wiesel's memoir symbolizes the darkness, despair, and dehumanization experienced during the Holocaust. It represents the period of time when cruelty and destruction prevailed. Wiesel chose to name his memoir 'Night' to capture the darkness and horror of his experiences.