Answer ONE of the discussion questions below with examples from the Elie Wiesel article. (1 paragraph minimum).

Question

Answer ONE of the discussion questions below with examples from the Elie Wiesel article. (1 paragraph minimum).

1. Given what you have learned about Elie Wiesel, do you think he would consider himself a hero? Why or why not? In the context of this article, what makes a hero? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

2. What other figures from history or literature remind you of Elie Wiesel? What shared experiences or characteristics do they have? In the context of this article, what can we learn from tragedy? What did Elie Wiesel try to teach the world from his own tragedies? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

3. This text describes the numerous awards Elie Wiesel was given, but does not speak to the full scope of Wiesel's teaching and writing. Which do you think is more important for success: your work, or your recognition?

Answer 1

In the context of the article, it is unlikely that Elie Wiesel would consider himself a hero. Throughout the article, Wiesel's humility is emphasized, as he states, "I'm convinced that modesty is not just the best policy, it is the only policy. Heroes don't have time to be modest." This suggests that Wiesel does not view himself as a hero, despite his immense contributions to Holocaust education and remembrance. Instead, he sees himself as a messenger, someone who has a duty to share his experiences with the world in order to prevent history from repeating itself. Wiesel's focus was not on his own heroism, but rather on ensuring that the stories of the victims were not forgotten and that the lessons of the Holocaust were learned. He strived to teach the world about the importance of empathy and standing up against injustice, as evidenced by his statement, "I believe deeply that a person who can feel the pain of others, who can respond to their cries, is also capable of responding to their needs." Furthermore, Wiesel's commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding, even with those who held opposing views, highlights his dedication to fostering a better world. Overall, Wiesel's focus on education, remembrance, empathy, and dialogue indicate that he prioritized his message over any individual hero status he may have achieved.