Encountering Evil: Night

Lesson 8
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 2

8th Grade

Lesson 8 of 28

Objective


Explain why Wiesel uses specific words, phrases, and punctuation in his writing, and the impact of these choices on the reader.

Identify and explain the meaning of symbols and other motifs in Night.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Night by Elie Wiesel  pp. 11 – 22

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

On page 12, Wiesel writes, "Night fell." Identify one other place on pages 11-22 where he mentions night.

Considering what is happening in these passages, what might "night" symbolize, based on this section of text? Support your answer with at least two pieces of evidence from these pages.

Sample Response

Create a free account or sign in to view Sample Response

Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • What does Wiesel mean when he writes, on page 12, "The ghetto was ruled by neither German nor Jew; it was ruled by delusion"? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

  • On page 16, Wiesel writes, "There was joy, yes, joy." Why does Wiesel repeat the word "joy" in this sentence?

  • On page 19, Wiesel writes, "From behind our windows, from behind their shutters, our fellow citizens watched as we passed." Why did Wiesel use the phrase, "fellow citizens," and how does this impact the reader’s understanding of this passage?

  • On page 21, Wiesel writes, "…so much easier to do when the owners are on vacation…" "On vacation!" Why does Wiesel repeat this word and punctuate it with an exclamation point?

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Vocabulary


Text-based

delusion

n.

(p. 12)

a false belief, usually firmly held even when evidence shows that it is incorrect.

conflagration

n.

(p. 21)

an enormous, all-consuming fire

Academic

motif

n.

a recurring element -- object, idea, action, event -- that has symbolic significance in a story.

symbol

n.

a character, setting, object, or event that represents a larger, more complex concept or idea

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: Night by Elie Wiesel  pp. 23 – 34

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Where are Eliezer and his family (between pages 23 and 28)?

  • What are conditions like for them?

  • Who is Mrs. Schäcter? What is she trying to tell the other passengers?

  • What do the passengers see when they arrive at Auschwitz-Birkenau?

  • What happens to Eliezer’s family when they first arrive at Auschwitz-Birkenau?

  • After being processed by Dr. Mengele, what do Eliezer and his father believe is about to happen to them?

  • What actually happens to them at the end of today’s reading?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Common Core Standards


  • L.8.5 — Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • RI.8.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

Supporting Standards

L.8.5.a
L.8.5.b
L.8.5.c
L.8.6
RI.8.1
RI.8.2
RI.8.10
SL.8.1
SL.8.6
W.8.1.a
W.8.1.b
W.8.4
W.8.9
W.8.9.b
W.8.10
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 7

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 9

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free