Concluding Chapter Analysis

Examine the following focus questions in preparation for the end of the novel.  Many of the themes are developed.  Be prepared to present your group's analysis to the class tomorrow.

Chapter 6

1. How does the language of the chapter contribute to the realism of the book?
2. Throughout the chapter, how does Wiesel create a sense of movement/motion?
3. Death is personified during this chapter. What characteristics are given to death?
4. Describe the relationship that Elie has with his father at this point in the story.
5. Describe the relationship Elie has with God at this point in the story.

Chapter 7

1. Describe Elie's feelings at this point in the novel. What has caused them?
2. Describe the conditions of the prisoners during this section.
3. Describe and analyze the comparison Elie makes of 'charity' in this chapter.
4. Compare Elie's relationship with his father compared to the relationship of Meir and his father.
5. At the end of the chapter, Meir Katz groans, "Why don't they shoot us all right away?"  Discuss your opinion on the answer to this question.

Chapter 8

1. What is important to Wiesel as the chapter opens? What role has indifference played thus far in his camp experiences?
2. Again death is personified.  What 'face' does death have at this point?  How does death influence Elie's father?
3. Analyze the crisis that Elie has in this chapter.  What has caused it and how does it influence his actions?
4. Explain the relevance of the following: "Listen to me boy. Don't forget that you're in a concentration camp. Here every man has to fight for himself and not think of anyone else.  Even of his father."
5. Describe the situation surrounding the death of Elie's father.  What is his reaction to this event? What does this say about his humanity?

Chapter 9

1. How has Elie's attitude of indifference been strengthened? Is this attitude a hindrance or a benefit to him? Explain.
2. Describe the liberation of Buchenwald.  What is ironic about it?
3. What do the first acts of the prisoners as free men show about human nature? How does this show the importance of Maslow's hierarchy of needs? (you may need to do additional research here).
4. Elie ends the book with a powerful description of his first look at himself in the mirror.  How has he changed physically, mentally, and spiritually from the person he was before he entered the camps?
5. Elie was fortunate to survive. What do you think he needed to survive? How was his situation impacted by his father? Explain.