Quick Review 1. What are the conditions of the

cattle wagon? 2. How was Mrs. Schachter able to

see the flames from the furnace beforehand?

3. What is tone? 4. What is the significance of the

refrain in the poem, “To the Little Polish Boy?”

Symbolism, Connotation, & Denotation

Definitions Symbol: something concrete

that stands for something abstract.

Denotation: definition meaning of a word

Connotation: What is often associated with a word.

Purpose Symbolism can be used to add

meaning that goes beyond what is literally being said.

Connotation of words can reveal an author’s tone and mood.

Connotation of a repeated image or word can also help reveal symbolism.

Example Dove: Peace Red: Passion, anger American Flag:

Patriotism Four leaf clover: Good

luckWhat does the meaning of each of these

items suggest about symbolism?

How Can You Identity Symbols in Literature? Consider the theme (what the

author is trying to convey) of the literary work.

Are words or phrases repeated? Consider the connotations of

words used in important passages.

Think of the subjects explored in the story.

Turn to page 32 and re-read one of the most

famous passages written by Elie Wiesel.

Let’s discover why Wiesel titled his memoir Night by

looking closely at his use of symbols.

Keep questions & answers in your response booklet (after

Ch. 2 response)!

Guiding Questions 1

Connotation: What meanings, associations, or emotions do the word, “Night” suggest?

Sleep, loneliness, death, depression, evil, fear, darkness, dreams, nightmares, sadness, ghosts, mystery, suspicion, cold, anxiety, pain

Question Possible Answers

Guiding Questions 2

Why did Elie witness and experience his first night in camp?

The elderly being shot in cold blood

He was separated from his mother and sister.

He lied about his age to save his life.

He saw children and adults being burned alive.

He smelled burning flesh.

He heard children and people screaming.

He saw people being beat like animals.

Question Possible Answers

Guiding Questions 3

1. Based on the connotation of “night” what does Elie mean when he says that his first night in camp has turned his life into one long night?

Elie’s life after the Holocaust was most likely filled with pain, loneliness, nightmares, and a difficulty for him to enjoy joyful events as he often thought of all those who suffered at and died during the Holocaust.

Question Possible Answers

Guiding Questions 4

1.What does “Night” symbolize for Elie?

The absence of God

Question Possible Answers

Guiding Questions 5

1.What is the “silence” that Elie is referring to?

The silence of God and the world as no one came to stop the Nazi or help the Holocaust prisoners.

Question Possible Answers

Response # 3How does the connotation of night (nighttime) help to develop the symbolism of night (the absence of God)? Use our class discussion and examples from the text to explain this question in more detail.