Analyzing Word Choice and Meaning

Analyze how the choice of a specific word or phrase shapes meaning or tone in somewhat challenging passages: How does the addition of "Too late" add to the meaning of the first sentence? "Our eyes opened. Too late" (23)

• It shows how regretful those on the cattle car are; they realize they should have listened to the cautionary tales.

• It shows how hopeful those on the cattle car are; they realize they will be safe in Birkenau.

• It shows how oblivious those on the cattle car are; they are unaware of what lies ahead in Birkenau.

• It shows how right those on the cattle car are; they realized not listening to Moishe was the right move.

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Interpret most words and phrases as they are used in somewhat challenging passages: What impact does the word "clanked" add on page 24?

• It provides a feeling of spite and hatred.

• It provides a feeling of being able to roam freely.

• It provides a feeling of being freed.

• It provides a feeling of being trapped.

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Interpret most words and phrases as they are used in somewhat challenging passages: What does "pious" mean on page 24?

• studious

• the feeling of isolation

• religious

• quiet

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What is the meaning/impact of the simile "she [Mrs. Schachter] looked like a withered tree in a field of wheat" on p. 25?

• It suggests Mrs. Schacter is mourning her family.

• It suggests Mrs. Schacter is independent.

• It suggests Mrs. Schacter stood out from everyone.

• It suggests Mrs. Schacter is not well hydrated.

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Explain the sentence on page 25: "He [Mrs. Schacter's son] pained me even more than did his mother’s cries." Why?

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Find the following sentences on p. 27 and 28. How do these sentences relate to the whole chapter? "Dusk began to fill the wagon." "Around eleven o’clock, the train began to move again."

• They add characterization.

• They give perspective to the sequence of events.

• They are the central ideas of the chapter.

• They explain previous evidence.

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Elie Wiesel has said that in his writing “the unspoken is as important as the spoken.” Meaning often lies in the images he tries to convey through a single word or phrase. Perhaps that is why there are so many very short, even one-word, sentences in the book. Those sentences signal the reader that the author wants them to stop and think about the meaning of these words or phrases in this particular context. Give an example of this technique from chapter 2.

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