Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Assigned: I read the excerpt Night by Elie Wiesel
The first time I read Night by Elie Wiesel, I do not think I understood the horrors illustrated in this novel. While it may only be 100 pages more or less, the images and impressions always impact the reader. I decided to read the excerpt from Night because I wanted to compare how I felt after reading a snip-it more than 5 years later than my first encounter with the shocking and emotionally draining literature. As I read the excerpt this time through, I found myself re-reading certain paragraphs to make sure I actually read what I thought I had. I cannot imagine a single emotion the people in the Holocaust felt. I am very grateful that I have a hard time imagining what these people must have felt. I have seen many movies that depict devastating events in history, and each time I come away with a better perspective. I have found that there are many terrible things that happen to good people, which reinforces the fact that trials are apart of our lives. Reading about and watching movies about events throughout history has made me appreciate the life I have. I know the world, and the United States isn’t perfect, but I am very grateful for the life I have here. I am very happy that I can be in college right now and not in some form of bondage or war. Elie Wiesel has captured me time and time again through his honest words.
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I also read the excerpt from Night. I love how you called it “emotionally draining literature.” It’s so true, just reading a few pages was hard. I found myself imagining everything that was spoken and how brutal and terrible it was. I myself have never read the entire book, in fact I don’t know if I have heard of it before this assignment. Nevertheless, I found the way Wiesel shared his experiences to be exceptionally descriptive. Like you, I also came to appreciate my life, all the blessings I have had, and the trials I have not had to endure. I know we all have trials and obstacles in our lives, but when I compare mine to something like this, I feel so blessed. When I start to feel down on myself or question why I have to press forward through a seemingly unbearable situation, I find comfort in knowing that others have gone through inconceivable conditions and I can get through my problems as well.
ReplyDeleteNight was emotionally draining for me as well. Elie’s description of the children burning was especially disturbing. I find it sad that he had to consider committing suicide to protect himself from a more agonizing death. It had to have been really bad if electrocution was considered better. The most touching part, I thought, was when he is waiting to see if his father will be sent to the same place as him. It shows how in times of distress, family is even more important. This made me appreciate my family and all that i have more. I am also grateful that we live in a place where we don't have to deal with persecution. This story made me appreciate what our pioneer ancestors did since, although not to the degree of the Holocaust, they were persecuted as they started our church.
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