Chapter 1 questions
PART 1:
As you read you will find that Death-- A theme which was used throughout the book. It was shown through the loss of loved ones.
In chapter 1, the topic of death seems to be reoccurring in the story.
Elie identifies the German soldiers by their steel helmets with the emblem, the death's head. It is the first impression Elie has of the German soldiers.
The Jews are not allowed to leave their houses for three days-on pain of death. The term, "on pain of death" is used several times in the narrative to emphasize the harsh reality of the German's threats.
As the Jews are forced to wear the yellow star, Elie's father replies, "'The yellow star? Oh well, what of it? You don't die of it....'" Elie responds, "Poor Father! Of what then did you die?" The yellow star symbolizes the mark of distinction that sends many Jews to their deaths. In retrospect, Wiesel feels that his father and the Jews of Sighet conceded to their deaths by submitting to every German decree. With each submission, they die a bit more.
As the ghettos are emptied by the deportation of the Jews, rooms that were once bustling with activity, lay open with the people's belongings still remaining. It is like an "open tomb" in that there is no longer any sign of life.
Read each of this examples that are taken from chapter 1, write, reflect on the author's theme of death. what do you think or feel? What is the tone,and mood the writer is setting?
I think the tone and mood that the author is setting is very grim and scary. All the Jews have no idea what fate brings them. They are naive and gullible.
part 2:
1. Who is Moche the beadle? Describe him.
Moshe the beadle is basically the town bum, but everyone accepts him.
2. Who is Elie and what is he like?
Elie is the main character/ narrator. He is a young Jewish boy who gets deported to a concentration camp with his family.
3. What evidence shows that he is very religious? What are his studies?
Eli is very interested in learning about the cabbala. He prays a lot also.
4. What is going on in the country at the time?
The Holocaust.
5. What were some signs showing that trouble was ahead?
Moshe the beadle escapes and warns them.
6. List the things that happened after the leaders of Jewish community were arrested.
After the Jewish community officials were arrested, all the Jews were forced into to ghettos.
7. What were the Jews asked to do after father came home?
Pack one bag each and get ready to leave.
8. What could they bring with them?
A bag on their backs, some food and a few clothes.
9. Describe the mood of the community.
Somber, unsure, scared.
10. what did his mom keep repeating? Why?
We must keep going. She was very weary.
11. Where were all the people sent to?
To a train car.
12. Where did Weisel’s family go?
13. How was the travel like? Comfortable 4 stars ?hotel?
The trip was very uncomfortable, cramped, dirty, and inhumane.
14. What was confusing so far in the story?
Nothing was really confusing so far in the story.
