Moving around

Once they are forced out of their village, Eliezer and his father are moved around to several camps. Birkenau, Auschwitz, Buna, Gleiwitz, Buchenwald. Why would the Nazis keep moving their prisoners?

Lying to protect

During their brief stay at Auschwitz, Eliezer and his father run into a distant relative from Antwerp. When the man inquires about his family, Eliezer's father lies and says that everyone is alive and well. Later, Eliezer lies to Rabbi Eliahou about his son. Is lying the best choice in these situations or should Eliezer and his father have been truthful? Is lying acceptable to protect someone's feelings?

Kindness and chance encounters

While at Buna, Eliezer works in a warehouse. The Kapo in charge of the group brutally beats Eliezer. Why is Eliezer beaten? After the beating, a French girl working in the warehouse is very kind to Eliezer. Years later, Eliezer randomly runs into this girl again. Where does he see her, and what does he learn at that point?

Juliek the musician

When does Eliezer run into Juliek? What is ironic about this situation? What happens to Juliek?

Fathers and Sons

After their last run through the snow, Eliezer and his father meet up with a kind man named Rabbi Eliahou. The Rabbi is looking for his son, and Eliezer lies to the older man. During the run, Eliezer saw the other boy abandon his father, but Eliezer does not tell the Rabbi this. Why does Eliezer think the other boy left his father? Why doesn't Eliezer share this information?

Dr. Mengele

Dr. Mengele was an infamous Nazi doctor. Describe Eliezer's encounter with this cruel man.

Selection

Describe the selection process at each camp. What are some of the "tricks" Eliezer and his father are told that help them survive the selection process?

Public humiliation and mental torture

After their homes and belongings were taken from the Jewish people, their dignity was taken from them as well. Describe some of the things that Eliezer and the others are forced to do upon arriving at a camp. Try to give the page # where you find such descriptions. Which is harder on Eliezer- the physical aspects of being in a camp (the hunger, the cold, the beatings, etc.) or the mental torture that he experiences?

Faith and Doubt

At the beginning of the novel, Eliezer is a deeply religious boy. He studies the Torah thoroughly; his faith is intense and extremely important to him. How do Eliezer's beliefs change after the Nazi invasion of his town?