4.16.13+and+4.17.13

Discuss WU from Monday and questions from last week: WU: Individuality vs. Group Mentality

One wonders how the Nazis and other Germans could possibly have carried out the horrific acts demanded of them, even if they did in fact learn to hate the Jews. Some scholars explain their collaboration in terms of “deindividuation”: a loss of individuality as one becomes submerged in the group, which leads to lessened self-awareness and weakened restraint against harmful acts. Can you think of instances when you experienced a reduced self-awareness due to membership in a cohesive group?

Other scholars focus on the excuse given by many people who went along with horrific massacres: “I was only following orders.” At what point do people bear a responsibility for their own actions, even when ordered to commit an act by a “legitimate authority”?

1) How does Wiesel’s relationship with his father change in the first four chapters of the book? What does Wiesel learn about himself? About his father? Cite two quotes that support your ideas.

2) What are the ways that the camp guards and Nazi regime work to dehumanize the Jewish prisoners? How do these techniques affect Wiesel and the other prisoners?

3) What events lead to the two hangings Wiesel describes? How does Wiesel feel about his evening meal after each hanging? What do his reactions suggest about how he is changing?

4) What are some ways that Wiesel and the other Jews at the camps try to observe their religion? How have Wiesel’s feelings about God/religion changed since his captivity began? Cite two quotes that support your ideas.

5) What is one question you have after reading Ch. 1-4?

HW: Finish //Night// and ALL journals by MONDAY