Why are the “eight words” Elie hears at the start of the chapter so significant?
a
They explain the horrors that he will experience at Auschwitz.
b
They show him that if he lies about his age, he can live.
c
They designate in which direction he must walk when he leaves the train.
d
They mark the last moments between Elie and his mother and younger sister.
d. They mark the last moments between Elie and his mother and younger sister.
The "eight words" that Elie hears at the start of the chapter are significant because they are the last words he hears from his mother and younger sister before they are separated. This marks the beginning of the horrific experiences and suffering that Elie and his fellow prisoners will endure in Auschwitz. It symbolizes the loss of family and the harsh reality of the concentration camp.
d) They mark the last moments between Elie and his mother and younger sister.
The "eight words" that Elie hears at the start of the chapter, which are "Men to the left, women to the right," are significant because they mark the separation of Elie from his mother and younger sister. This moment signifies the loss of his family and the beginning of the harsh reality of the Holocaust. It is a searing and tragic moment for Elie as he is forced to leave behind his loved ones, not knowing if he will ever see them again. This separation becomes a powerful symbol of the suffering and destruction caused by the Holocaust.
To determine the significance of the "eight words" Elie hears at the start of the chapter, you can refer to the context of the story. In this case, the "eight words" refer to the instructions given by a German officer upon the arrival of a transport train at Auschwitz. The officer states, "Men to the left! Women to the right!"
The correct answer is d) They mark the last moments between Elie and his mother and younger sister.
Why: These eight words represent a pivotal moment in Elie's life as they mark the separation between him and his family, particularly his mother and younger sister. The significance lies in the fact that this is the last time Elie sees his mother and sister alive. The splitting of the group based on gender determines their fate, as men and women were sent to different areas of the camp for labor and later faced different outcomes. This moment symbolizes the harsh reality of the Holocaust, the loss of family, and the beginning of a traumatic and life-changing experience for Elie.