Group Reader Response LC #1: Dialectical Journal Practice

Critical Stance
a. Discuss how Wiesel sets up the contrast between the panic of the Jews with each new decree or action of the government and their attempts to reassure themselves and to adjust to each new infringement on their freedom. 
- Wiesel is trying to say that the Jews would do anything the Germans demanded because they believed that they wouldn't get hurt if they obeyed commands.

Dialectical Journal Entries
a. Find five direct quotations from the book that you feel is important to the story and provide each with your own commentary. 
- "There are a thousand and one gates leading into the orchard of mystical truth. Every human being has his own gate. We must never make the mistake of wanting to enter the orchard by any gate but our own. To do this is dangerous for the one who entered and also for those who are already there." - Moshe the Beadle (page 3 paragraph 4)

Moshe the Beadle seems to be very religious and has strong values. This quote from Moshe discusses how we should focus on ourselves and our goals instead of being in everyone's business and interrupting their lives when their trying to focus on their own. There will be certain people that will be of big help in your lives and also those who will cause obstacles that you'll overcome; be cautious.

- "I wanted to come back to Sighet to tell you the story of my death. So that you could prepare yourselves while there was still time." - Moshe the Beadle (page 5 paragraph 5)

After Moshe came back to Sighet, he warned the Jews by telling them his story of when he was away. Moshe was a person for the people, he cared for them but they didn't care and thought he was crazy, when he was telling him the truth and wanted to help.

- "he dealt my father such a clout that he fell to the ground, crawling back to his place on all fours... My father had just been struck, before my very eyes, and I had not flickered an eyelid" (page 37)

- "I had looked on and said nothing. Yesterday I should have sunk my nails into the criminals flesh."(page 37)

The narrator has never experienced such violence towards a family member and is feeling emotions, such as hatred and violence, for another person. The narrator must've lived in a peaceful environment where nothing had ever gone wrong.

- "There was no floor. a roof and four walls. Our feet sank into the mud." (page 35)

Their camp is just like a prison but treated them like slaves