The theme, never to forget, is a central driving force in the autobiographical book Night, winner of the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize. As a child, Elie Wiesel witnessed the Holocaust. After his escape from a concentration camp and a ten-year silence, he decided to document the inescapable past. The result is his account of the inhumanity of the genocide faced by European Jews during World War II. Wiesel explores the human potential for evil, prejudice, racism, and undue nationalism. He reinforces importance of never forgetting the Holocaust. Students learn about the human potential for evil and to guard against it.

Activities include analysis of excerpts by victims of and authorities on prejudice and stereotyping and examining a historical overview of the Holocaust. Students conduct psychological analysis of the people from the book and make observations of the effect of circumstances on their values, personality, and beliefs. Lessons explore literary techniques used by the author, including characterization, metaphors and similes, irony, symbolism, and theme. Emphasis is given to how the author puts into words events that are indescribable.

 

Supplementary materials include a study guide, ideas for group and independent projects, and a test with answer key.