Final answer:
The main idea of ReadWorks passages based on Elie Wiesel is to discuss the moral complexities during the Holocaust and the significance of literature in exploring themes of human nature, ethics, and historical events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main idea of the ReadWorks passages based on Elie Wiesel is to explore the themes of human nature, morality, and the historical context of genocide. Specifically, these passages look at the ethics and courage displayed during the Holocaust and the complexities of understanding such a dark period of human history. They also delve into the literary expression of these themes through various narrative techniques, such as the continuous narrative in the Vienna Genesis, which tells the story of Rebecca and Eliezer, and the personification of the river.
For instance, in the theme of Ellison's Invisible Man, the protagonist's dream and his grandfather's appearance symbolize the struggle with identity and the impacts of racism, while his decision to deliver a speech after enduring humiliation reflects a complex negotiation of personal dignity and societal pressures. These narratives provide a deep introspection into the human condition and underscore the importance of resilience and moral choices in the face of adversity. This is further exemplified by references to literary works, like Hamlet, and the righteous individuals commemorated at Yad Vashem for their choice to resist hatred with altruism.