Chapter 1 (pages 3-22) -- The Future

From what you know about the Holocaust, what was happening to Wiesel and his family? Where were they going? Why?

Chapter 1 (pages 3-22) -- The Police

Describe the actions of the Hungarian police. What is the only link that remains between Wiesel and them today?

Chapter 1 (pages 3-22) -- What was he thinking?

What do you think Elie is feeling/thinking on page 17 as he watches everyone leave the ghetto? You may respond to this question as if you were Elie and you are writing a journal entry.

Chapter 1 (pages 3-22) Warnings

Elie's father had a friend who promised to warn them of danger. Did he? What happened? How is it ironic?

Chapter 1 (pages 3-22) "Ruled by delusion?"

Wiesel wrote, "The ghetto was ruled by neither German nor Jew; it was ruled by delusion" (12). What does he mean? Didn't the Jewish Council (das Juden rat) govern the ghetto?

Chapter 1 (pages 3-22) "The yellow star? It's not lethal."

Elie's father remains optimistic, even after the Jews are made to wear the yellow Star of David. He says, "The yellow star? So what? It's not lethal." What does Wiesel mean when he says to his father (in parentheses), "Poor Father! Of what then did you die?" (see page 11)

Chapter 1 (pages 3-22) Possible escape?

What are some of the signals or signs that Elie's father and family didn't pay attention to that could have saved them from ghetto and Auschwitz?