Night by Elie Wiesel Reflective Journaling Assignment

Overview: This assignment is to be completed after the reading of the memoir Night by Elie Wiesel. This assignment is meant for you to connect ideas and outcomes from the novel in ways and perspectives that aren’t typical academic essays. Though these assignments have creative components to them and have been modified from a five paragraph format, you will still be evaluated on the connections you are able to make to the novel and the ideas presented by the author as well as components of academic arguments. Task: You will be creating an online publication for the reflective journaling prompts provided with a group of no more than four within your class. You will have two (2)-three (3) prompts for each section of reading and should choose one (1) prompt per section of reading to complete. Each person in the group must be responsible for creating one of the pieces in reading sections 1-4, but EVERYONE

must write an entry for the Wrap Up. If you are in a group of three or less, you will need to collaborate on sections not covered by group members. After your group has created your pieces, you will publish them using an online source such as Weebly, Glogster, Blogger, Google Apps (website), Wix, etc. You will need to provide your group’s URL address so that your hard work can be graded!

Grading Criteria: When writing your online journal entries, your score will correlate with how well you are able to adhere to the prompt’s directions. If the prompt is asking you to write a letter, it is expected that the piece’s format is that of a letter. All pieces should be written in the correct point of view. Your grade will also take into account all mechanics and usage rules as well as spelling and grammar. Your online publication should show you have invested time into your project. Incorporate pictures, graphics, and exciting fonts that grab your audience’s attention, but do not detract from your project. Use what you know about persuasive appeals to help your audience members believe your point of view. This project is due: Sunday February 8, 2015 by 11:59pm. You must email your group’s link to

tiffany_thomas@hboe.org. Reading Section 1: pp. 3-28

1. Eliezer explains that the underprivileged people in his hometown are assisted, but ostracized by the townspeople. Eliezer lives in a small town in Transylvania, but his observation may be applicable to other parts of the world. In your opinion, is this statement a fair depiction of how the poor and homeless are treated in American society? Compose an editorial expressing your opinion on the subject, and be sure to support your position with examples.

2. All foreign Jews are suddenly shipped out of Sighet, but the townspeople attribute this strange occurrence to the war. In a short time, the exiled people are forgotten and life returns to normal. Imagine that you are a student of journalism in Sighet, and you want to write a story on the townspeople’s reaction to the eviction. Write an article that you will attempt to get published in the local newspaper. The piece should include one quote from a deportee and one from someone who remained in town. Try to imagine how the people felt and the atmosphere during this time, and relay those feelings in the article.

3. Large groups of people are crammed into cattle cars and given a limited supply of bread and water. The soldiers

warn their captives that, if anyone should escape, another prisoner will be shot. Suppose that you are the one of the prisoners on the train. Would the Germans’ threats be enough to prevent you from trying to escape? Choose one of the following questions to complete:

a. Imagine that you are the escapee. What would you say to the person who will be shot in your absence? Compose a letter to this person justifying your reasons for escape.

b. Imagine that you are the person to be shot. What would you say to the person who escapes? Compose a letter to this person explaining your feelings.

Reading Section 2: pp. 29-65 1. After the men form ranks, they learn the truth about the crematoriums. There is talk among the young men

about rebelling, but the elders reply, “We mustn’t give up hope, even now as the sword hangs over our heads.” With which side do you agree? Compose a persuasive speech that supports whichever perspective you choose. For instance, if you agree with the younger men, you might write a speech that encourages the others to revolt. However, if you agree with the elders, your speech should promote patience and inaction. Try to include at least three sensible reasons to support your viewpoint.

2. Eliezer works alongside a young Frenchwoman, who, he later discovers, is secretly Jewish. She risks exposing

her disguise by speaking encouraging words to Eliezer in German. After the war, the woman explains, “It was imprudent of me to say those few words to you, but I knew you would not betray…” Do you think that she was wise to entrust her life to stranger? Complete the following conversation by voicing your opinion in dialogue format.

Friend: I think that woman was foolish. Eliezer could have given her away in exchange for a favor or to avoid torture. Who knows? You: Well, I think that…

3. The men arrive at a new bunker in Auschwitz. The man in charge, a young Pole, speaks encouraging words to

the prisoners about keeping their faith, helping each other, and preserving through the hardships. He says, “We shall all see the day of liberation.” This belief might be wishful thinking or simply a hope that has not been extinguished yet.

How do you think this person, or anyone for that matter, can continue to believe in a “liberation” while in such a nightmarish place? Do you think that you could still have hope if you had been in Auschwitz? Write a journal entry, like a diary, in which you explain how you would have felt if you were the young Pole who speaks to the prisoners.

4. A public execution takes place as the SS hang a man for stealing during the air raid. Eliezer writes, “The

thousands of people who died daily in Auschwitz and Birkenau, in the crematoria, no longer troubled me. But this boy, leaning against his gallows, upset me deeply.” Create a journal entry written by Eliezer in which he explains this statement in depth.

Reading Section 3: pp. 66-98

1. Akiba Drumer is chosen for Birkenau during the selection, but he is not surprised. He had become resigned to death, which Eliezer blames for his demise when he says, “As soon as he felt the first chinks in his faith, he lost all incentive to fight and opened the door to death.” Imagine that you are Akiba’s friend, and you see him slowly losing his will to live. Write a letter to him in which you try to convince him not to give up his fight for survival.

2. The Russian army is approaching, so the camp is to be evacuated and the prisoners sent into Germany. Eliezer must decide whether to travel with his injured foot or remain behind and risk execution; his primary concern, however, is remaining with his father. Choose one of the following questions to answer:

a. From Eliezer’s perspective, decide whether to stay in the camp or evacuate. Write a letter to your father informing him of your choice. Indicate whether or not you expect him to remain with you. Be sure to give reasons for your decision. Remember that, if you are separating, this is a farewell letter.

b. From the father’s perspective, decide whether to stay in the camp or evacuate. Write a letter to Eliezer informing him of your choice. Indicate whether or not you expect him to remain with you. Be sure to give your reasons for your decision. Remember that, if you are separating, this is a farewell letter.

Reading Section 4: pp. 99-115

1. Years after the war, Eliezer comments on an experience in which he witnesses a woman throw coins to desperate children in the same manner as the Germans had thrown food onto the trains. When Eliezer implores

the woman to stop, she comments, “I like to give charity…” (100). What message is Eliezer trying to impart in telling this story? Write an editorial for a local newspaper in which you interpret Eliezer’s social commentary, and state whether or not you agree. Try to give an example from current events or history to support your view.

2. Eliezer’s father is taken to the crematorium during the night; he will have no funeral service or tombstone. Image that Eliezer,, who was unable to say goodbye, take the time to write a eulogy for his father. What do you suppose he will say? Compose the eulogy from Eliezer’s point of view.

Wrap Up: 1. Throughout the book, characters demonstrate how survival instincts can override moral decisions and actions.

For instance, sons beat or abandon their fathers in order to survive. In your opinion, is this an understandable, or forgivable, phenomenon? Write an editorial voicing your opinion.

Types of Writing (Check my webpage for examples of each type of writing) Editorial: An article in a newspapers, periodicals, or websites presenting the opinion o f the publisher, writer, or editor. Good editorials:

A. Write pieces that deal with a current issue affecting many readers. B. Is persuasive by giving readers all the facts and concerns with the issue at hand. C. Gives suggestions or plans of action to the readers. D. Offers a balanced opinion, taking into account both sides of the debate.

When creating your editorial, you should have an introduction that includes a thesis, at least one body paragraph that proves the thesis, and a conclusion. Remember, editorial have a strict format:

• Introductions state the problem (in your thesis) • The body expresses an opinion and provides a solution to the issue. • The conclusion emphasizes the main argument.

Article: a piece of writing within a newspaper, magazine or other publication. Articles should resemble academic argumentative papers, meaning they include an introduction with thesis, at least one body paragraph that proves the thesis, and a conclusion. In order for this to be the best piece you can create, you will need to include sensory details, meaning you must describe feelings, settings, actions, etc. in a way that appeals to the five senses. Try to move away from the monotonous use of terms such as happy, sad, good, bad, positive, and negative. Think: what other words can I use to make these words come alive for my reader? Personal Letter: a type of letter or informal composition that usually concerns personal matters and is sent from one individual to another. When creating personal letters, the format is very important. Your letter should contain five parts:

A. Heading: includes the writer’s complete address and the date the letter was written on separate lines. This should be singled spaced and aligned to the left.

B. Salutation: opening greeting of the letter. Most personal letters star with “Dear _________,”. This should come two lines down from your heading.

C. Body: this is the “letter” portion of the piece. It includes all of the writer’s thoughts organized into paragraphs. This should come two lines down from your heading; each paragraph also should be single spaced and should not be indented. Separate all paragraphs with two lines.

D. Closing: the closing greeting followed by empty spaces or lines, and then the writer’s typed or printed first and last name.

E. Signature: Sign your name in the space between the two parts of the closing. Your personal letters should include an introduction, body, and conclusion within the body of your letter. As with articles, you will need to try to use as many sensory details as possible. Speech: formal address delivered to an audience. Speeches should resemble academic argumentative papers, meaning they include an introduction with thesis, at least one body paragraph that proves the thesis, and a conclusion. You will need to cater your speech to your audience and

use the persuasive appeals you learned in class to help sway your audience to your side of the argument. Remember: pick a side! You can’t play both sides of the fence! Journal Entry/Diary Entry: a summary of your most intimate thoughts, reactions, and experiences. Journal or diary entries are the most informal pieces of writing in this assignment. There is no strict format for your entry, but you should write at least 3 paragraphs and include sensory language. Eulogy: a speech that praises or honors a person, normally who is deceased. When you write a eulogy, there are a few things you should remember when creating your speech. You should be positive, you can use humor, but don’t let it overshadow the purpose of the speech, and you should have at least two to three (2-3) points you want to discuss about the person. The structure of your speech should be:

A. Introduction: introduce yourself, explain your relationship to the person being honored, and establish a theme (idea you want to center your speech—ex. Living life to the fullest “My brother always lived every day like it was his last. He was known to say, “You can sleep when you’re dead!”)

B. Body: share memories, stories, and impressions of the person. Relate it back to the theme if possible. This could include a condensed life history, details of family and friends/work and career/ interests and achievements, favorite memories of the deceased or favorite poems, songs, quotes, or religious writings.

C. End: close your speech and leave a lasting impression. Your eulogy should include at least three paragraphs (introduction, body and conclusion).