Using Night by Elie Wiesel, identify and explain at least one fact and one opinion that support the following theme: “When faced with extreme brutality, a person can still choose to remain human.”

Answer:

Responses may vary but should contain some or all of the following information: In Night by Elie Wiesel, there are many facts and opinions that support the theme that a person, when faced with extreme brutality, can still choose to remain human. One fact that supports this theme is the following excerpt: “He was a young Pole, who was smiling at us. He began to talk to us, and despite our weariness, we listened attentively.” This is a fact because dialogue of other characters is a tool that authors of memoirs use to include facts. This excerpt reflects the theme because this young Pole is the man in charge of the barracks where Wiesel will be staying, and unlike all the other people that Wiesel has encountered in the concentration camp up to this point, this young man is kind to them. One opinion that supports this theme is the following excerpt: “Those were the first human words.” This is an opinion because the author commentary is a tool that authors of memoirs use to include opinions. This excerpt reflects the theme because Wiesel is making the observation that the words spoken (those by the young Pole) were “human,” a quality that most of the other people in charge at the concentration camp seem to lack.