First They Came

Which of the following best describes the message of the quote? First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.

• People should define themselves by their similarities, not by their differences

• Fear can cause people to stop caring about others or their suffering.

• People should speak out when they see injustice, or they may risk experiencing it themselves

• Staying silent while witnessing a crime is the same thing as committing the crime.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which of the following best describes the speaker? First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.

• self-made because he owned his business and was not in a trade union

• regretful because he let others get arrested without speaking up for them

• frightened because he did not want to speak in front of other people

• prejudiced because he thought he was better than everyone else

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which of the following best support the answer to Part A? First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.

• “First they came for the Socialists” (Line 1)

• Because I was not a Trade Unionist” (Line 2)

• “I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew.” (Line 3)

• “Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.” (Line 4)

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does the phrase “because I was not” emphasize about the speaker?

• The speaker is lonely and distanced from the rest of society, which is why he did not speak out.

• The speaker is deeply sorry and wants to justify why he did not speak out against the arrests.

• The speaker regrets not speaking out because he was not being targeted and ignored those who were.

• The speaker is a selfish, prejudiced person who did not care about the suffering of other people.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

How does the theme of the poem "First They Came" contribute to the idea from the definition of The Holocaust: that the Holocaust was systematic?

Tags

8.5E

"Terrible Things" is an allegory for the events of The Holocaust. What was the initial reaction of the animals in the forest when the "terrible things" came for animals with feathers? What does this represent about the beginnings of anti-semitism during WWII?

Tags

8.7A

8.7B

8.5E

What common theme do both "Terrible Things" and "First They Came" both develop?

Tags

8.5F

8.5H

8.7

According to the Poem "First They Came for the Communists," why does Martin Niemoller not speak out?

• Because he is mute.

• Because he doesn't know who to ask for help.

• Because he is too busy.

• Because he feels he is not involved.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What is the significance of the title "First They Came for the Communists"?

• It refers to the first group of people targeted by the Nazis.

• It refers to the first group of people who stood up against the Nazis.

• It refers to the first group of people who joined the Nazis.

• It refers to the first group of people who were saved by the Nazis.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

What is the impact of the phrase 'First They Came for the Communists' on the reader?

• It creates a sense of fear and anticipation.

• It creates a sense of joy and excitement.

• It creates a sense of confusion and curiosity.

• It creates a sense of relief and satisfaction.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.9