In Elie Wiesel’s Holocaust memoir Night, Weisel uses a series of questions in order to convey his disappointment. A prisoner says a horrifying statement, that the crematory is where they are heading. He says the truth, there are flames coming from the ditches with a burning scent. A lorry then deliveres its load of little children, and babies. Noticing this, he pinches his face and thinks , “Was I still alive? Was I awake?... How could it be possible for them to burn people, children, and for the world to keep silent?” (21). Elie in disbelief does not find it possible that this is actually happening. Elie attempts to make himself believe it is a nightmare. “Was I awake?” connotes Elie’s concern with humanity. He feels as if he is in a bad …show more content…
This is why he questions if he is wide awake because it is a nightmare. The question alludes to his disbelief and illusion of reality vanishing. He is certain that people have humanity and are incapable of terrible things. Thus, his question conveys his disappointment with the world he lives in. For when illusions fade, hope also decays. Not only was it disappointing to see the Germans burn children and people, but that nobody does anything to help. “World to keep Silent?” underscores his pain farther. Not only are the Germans doing atrocious acts, but humankind itself lets it happen. Nobody addresses, or handles the situation. Elie does not see the reason for people to keep quiet and not speak up. Which is why he adds a question mark, and not a period, to convey his disappointment. People are dying, and the world seems to not care. He discovers decency does not exist in everyone, and that lets him down. It is the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the last day of the year. Ten thousand men come to take part in the solemn service. Even the kapos, and heads of the blocks come. All of those men go to bless God, who is eternal. Thousands of voices repeat the benediction, and prostrate themselves before Him. They keep blessing God but Elie questions, “Why should I bless