Night Reading Quiz 2 - Pp. 29-65

1. What event gives the inmates hope?

More food is rationed to them.

Buna is bombed by an Allied air atack.

They realize warmer weather is coming.

The event that gives the inmates hope is Buna being bombed by an Allied air attack. This event signifies a potential weakening of the Nazis' hold on the concentration camp, creating a glimmer of hope for the inmates that their liberation might be near. The bombing suggests that the Allies are actively engaged in fighting against the Nazis, and the inmates interpret this as a sign that their situation may soon improve.

Explanation

The event that gives the inmates hope is Buna being bombed by an Allied air attack. This event signifies a potential weakening of the Nazis' hold on the concentration camp, creating a glimmer of hope for the inmates that their liberation might be near. The bombing suggests that the Allies are actively engaged in fighting against the Nazis, and the inmates interpret this as a sign that their situation may soon improve.

2. Elie and his father are "processed" at Birkenau, outside Auschwitz. In Birkenau, they are:

Allowed to eat as much as they like.

Made to have their heads shaved and bodies disinfected.

Made to dig graves.

In Birkenau, Elie and his father are made to have their heads shaved and bodies disinfected. This is a common practice in concentration camps to dehumanize and strip the prisoners of their identity. Shaving their heads serves as a way to humiliate and degrade them, while disinfecting their bodies is done to prevent the spread of diseases within the camp. This dehumanizing process is a way for the Nazis to exert control and assert their power over the prisoners.

Explanation

In Birkenau, Elie and his father are made to have their heads shaved and bodies disinfected. This is a common practice in concentration camps to dehumanize and strip the prisoners of their identity. Shaving their heads serves as a way to humiliate and degrade them, while disinfecting their bodies is done to prevent the spread of diseases within the camp. This dehumanizing process is a way for the Nazis to exert control and assert their power over the prisoners.

3. What event leaves Elie completely rejecting God?

A child is executed by public hanging.

His father is punished by lashing.

He is attacked by friends Yossi and Tibi.

The event of a child being executed by public hanging is a deeply traumatic and horrifying experience for Elie. Witnessing such an act of cruelty and injustice shakes his faith in God and causes him to completely reject the idea of a benevolent higher power. This event serves as a turning point in Elie's spiritual journey, leading him to question the existence and goodness of God in the face of such immense suffering and evil.

Explanation

The event of a child being executed by public hanging is a deeply traumatic and horrifying experience for Elie. Witnessing such an act of cruelty and injustice shakes his faith in God and causes him to completely reject the idea of a benevolent higher power. This event serves as a turning point in Elie's spiritual journey, leading him to question the existence and goodness of God in the face of such immense suffering and evil.

4. Why is Elie punished by lashing?

He stole food.

He talked during roll call.

He fought one of the Kapos.

He saw one of the Kapos with a girl.

Elie is punished by lashing because he saw one of the Kapos with a girl. This act of witnessing the Kapo's inappropriate behavior goes against the rules and norms of the concentration camp. The camp authorities use punishment as a means to maintain control and instill fear among the prisoners. By lashing Elie, they aim to discourage any form of disobedience or rebellion, even if it is simply observing and reporting a violation.

Explanation

Elie is punished by lashing because he saw one of the Kapos with a girl. This act of witnessing the Kapo's inappropriate behavior goes against the rules and norms of the concentration camp. The camp authorities use punishment as a means to maintain control and instill fear among the prisoners. By lashing Elie, they aim to discourage any form of disobedience or rebellion, even if it is simply observing and reporting a violation.

5. What item of value does Elie possess?

A jacket

Extra shoes

A gold tooth

An extra bread ration

Elie possesses a gold tooth. This is evident from the given options where the other items mentioned are a jacket, extra shoes, and an extra bread ration. Only the gold tooth stands out as an item of value, as it is made of a precious metal.

Explanation

Elie possesses a gold tooth. This is evident from the given options where the other items mentioned are a jacket, extra shoes, and an extra bread ration. Only the gold tooth stands out as an item of value, as it is made of a precious metal.

6. Elie and his father stay in which group of inmates at Auschwitz?

Skilled workers

Unskilled laborers

Elie and his father stay in the group of inmates known as unskilled laborers at Auschwitz. This suggests that they were assigned to perform manual labor tasks that did not require specialized skills or training. This classification indicates that they were likely subjected to harsh working conditions and treated as expendable laborers by the Nazi regime.

Explanation

Elie and his father stay in the group of inmates known as unskilled laborers at Auschwitz. This suggests that they were assigned to perform manual labor tasks that did not require specialized skills or training. This classification indicates that they were likely subjected to harsh working conditions and treated as expendable laborers by the Nazi regime.