The Holocaust, one of the darkest chapters in human history, has been depicted through various forms of literature, each aiming to educate and evoke a profound understanding of the atrocities committed. Among the most distinguished works are Elie Wiesel's Night and Art Spiegelman's Maus. While both texts offer poignant and compelling insights into the Holocaust, Night is more effective for educating Grade 10 students due to its straightforward narrative, firsthand account, and exploration of moral and ethical lessons. Elie Wiesel’s Night employs a direct, chronological approach, recounting his personal experiences as a teenager in Nazi concentration camps. This method of storytelling makes the book particularly accessible to young readers. The narrative begins with Wiesel's life in Sighet, transitions to the horrors of the concentration camps, and …show more content…
Wiesel's narrative delves into complex themes such as faith, humanity, and justice. His experiences lead him to question the existence and justice of God: "For the first time, I felt revolt rise up in me. Why should I bless His name? The Eternal, Lord of the Universe, the All-Powerful and Terrible, was silent" (Wiesel, 33). This moment illustrates the monumental suffering that led Wiesel to question his faith, prompting students to reflect on the psychological impact of trauma on belief systems and personal identity. In contrast, Maus often focuses on the personal and familial relationship between Art and his father, sometimes at the expense of broader ethical questions. For example, Art expresses his frustration and guilt: "I can’t believe I’m talking about my problems when so many people have died" (Spiegelman, Maus II). While this personal focus provides depth to the narrative, it may not engage students as deeply in the broader moral and ethical lessons of the Holocaust as Wiesel's reflections