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A major part of understanding a piece of literary text is having an understanding of what is being stated. Sometimes the use of different literary devices could make it easier to understand text. A great example of a literary device in this context is personification; when an inanimate thing is turned into a person. In one instance, Elie Wiesel uses this perfectly in, "Night". When Elie and his father try to get some sleep in a densely packed shed, Elie starts to think of what happens to some people who try to get some sleep in these conditions. Elie starts to refuse to sleep and describes the act as, "...Seize upon a sleeping person, steal into him and devour him bit by bit." (Wiesel page 89). Because sleeping was such a risky thing to do at that moment, Elie chose to write about how death could've sneaked up on him while sleeping. In this situation, death is personified into this monster that makes you decay if you let your guard down. This also gives more clarity as to why Elie doesn't want to sleep in the shed and is understandable. Using personification, Elie was able to get to his point more easily and clearly as to why it was so risky to get to sleep in the camp.

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Sometimes an author's words can create an intense image within the reader's head. Sometimes used to help the reader understand the book better, sometimes used to make the reader sympathetic for the author. Nonetheless This device is called Imagery and Elie Wiesel has a great example of this being used in, "Night." When Elie arrives at Auschwitz, he sees a truly terrifying sight; babies being thrown into a fire. Elie is truly baffled by this sight and wonders, "Could this be a nightmare? An unimaginable nightmare?"(Wiesel page 31). Elie is so disturbed by the image of babies being thrown into a flaming pit that he wonders if what he is seeing is real. His input after seeing this intense image can also help us understand how horribly ruthless the polish soldiers were in WWII. With only the description of the image he witnessed we can only wonder how truly horrible this occurrence was for him. Elie used his intense imagery to describe the scenes he witnessed to help us better understand how gruesome the holocaust really was.

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Elie Wiesel uses Anaphora to emphasize his views on the first night in camp to help the reader gain a better understanding of his experiences. When he first arrives at camp, he isn't used to anything because of the horrible living conditions. As he is worn out by night he describes to the reader, "Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed."(Wiesel page 34). This anaphora goes on for 7 more sentences describing what inhuman events were happening in his camp. This helps the reader understand what Elie was feeling and going through at this point in his experience. Because of this anaphora, the reader can infer that Elie's first night was a long-winded, difficult experience.

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These short lines from Wiesel's memoir Night are some of his best-known. They encompass the transformative nature of that one horrifying evening and what it meant for his future. Wiesel wrote this passage after realizing that he and his father have survived the first selection at Birkenau.

'Never Shall I Forget' by Elie Wiesel is a harrowing passage recounting the first night he spent at Birkenau from Wiesel's famous memoir Night.

In these lines, Wiesel moves away from his traditional narration style that's used throughout the rest of the book and considers how this one night of his life changed him forever. He speaks on the smoke, the stillness and quiet, and how if he lived as long as God he'd never forget what he saw and felt.

You can read the full passage here.

'Never Shall I Forget' by Elie Wiesel is a thirteen-line passage that is contained within a single paragraph. The lines have been translated from the original French. Therefore, there are very likely rhythmic differences between these lines and what Wiesel intended. But, that doesn't mean that there are techniques and devices that should go entirely unmentioned.

This specific passage is the best-known from Night, Wiesel's haunting memoir of his experiences during the Holocaust. The structure of this piece is such as to call forward connections to Psalm 150, a part of the Bible in which each line begins with "Hallelujah" or "Praise God". This is just one more connection to religion and the part, or lack thereof, that it played in Wiesel's experiences. Wiesel questions the existence of God in these lines, along with reflecting on his experiences, juxtaposing these lines against those from the Psalm.

Literary Devices

Wiesel makes use of several poetic techniques in 'Never Shall I Forget'. These include but are not limited to repetition, anaphora, and end-punctuation. The first of these, repetition is seen through the use and reuse of words, images, or emotions within a work. In this case, it is obvious that Wiesel repeated certain phrases, such as "Never shall I forget" several times in the poem. There is also a repeated allusion to the Holocaust which is never mentioned by name and is only described by its nature.

Wiesel also makes use of anaphora, or the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple lines, usually in succession. This technique is often used to create emphasis. A list of phrases, items, or actions may be created through its implementation. In this case, the anaphora is quite obvious, the phrase "Never shall I forget" starts seven of the thirteen lines. The last line also begins with "Never".

The last line of the poem is also a good example of end-punctuation. There are numbers lines that are enjambed, and several others are short and therefore more impactful in a different way. The last line is the best example of this but other examples include line three.

Lines 1-6

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long
night seven times sealed.

(...)

transformed into smoke under a silent sky.
Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith for ever.

In the first lines of 'Never Shall I Forget' the speaker begins with an allusion to the Holocaust and his personal experiences in "camp". When a reader is aware of Wiesel's personal history it is quite clear that he is referring to a Nazi concentration camp and how it "turned [his] life into one long night". In context, the allusions are even clearer as this particular passage can be found in the third section of Wiesel's famous memoir, Night.

Wiesel is reflecting, in this very famous passage, on the terror of the first night in the concentration camp, Birkenau, and how it changed him forever. There is a powerful use of imagery in these lines that helps those, who have never and never will, experience anything like this feel something of what Wiesel experienced at that time. He mentions the "smoke" and the "face of children" who were "transformed into smoke under a silent sky". By repeating the phrase "Never shall I forget" the Wiesel is creating a mantra of sorts that feels as though it will truly remain in his thoughts forever.

Lines 7-13

Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the
desire to live.

(...)

Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live
as long as God Himself.
Never.

In the next lines of the passage, the speaker goes on to refer to all the things, which were once integral to his existence, which is never going to be the same again. These include his faith and the "desire to live". His "God and...soul" were turned to "ashes" as were those around him. If this is the only passage that one reads from Night a reader can get a clear idea of how horribly powerful these realizations were for Wiesel and what it means for him to transform his way of thinking about himself and the world he is living in.

Despite stating that he has lost all faith in God earlier on in the passage, the last nights allude to the truth that he is still struggling with his faith. He refers to God's existence as something ongoing and eternal. His heritage and religion is still a part of him, but the way he considers it has changed.

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Never Shall I Forget by Elie Wiesel - Poem Analysis

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These short lines from Wiesel's memoir Night are some of his best-known. They encompass the transformative nature of that one horrifying evening and what

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Logos is often used in writing to enhance the reading experience and connect with readers. For example, Elie Wiesel has many sightings of logos being used for effect. When Elie is at the camp, he sees many others praying to god. Elie starts to evaluate this then says to god, "But look at these men whom you have betrayed... They pray before you!"(Wiesel page 68). As Elie evaluates all that these dying people give to god for no mercy, he helps us develop a wider and more ranged understanding. Even though these people are still praising god in difficult times, he doesn't show. All of this information about god abandoning people in need is provided from the clarity of Elie using logos when writing this part.

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There are many occasions in Night where Elie Wiesel uses metaphors and similies to help encapsulate the reader in the story and bring them to a better understanding. Just one of these instances is used in dialogue from the Blockalteste when he remembers that the prisoners forgot to clean the block. In his defense, he states, "'For the liberating army,'...' Let them know that here lived men and not pigs.'"(Wiesel page 84). This quote from the Blockalteste adds some character to the story and enriches the reading experience, therefore encapsulating and setting the reader in the story. When Elie plays with words like this, it gets the reader thinking about what he said leading to a clearer understanding of what's being said. He uses moments like these throughout the book, sometimes even blending in with the topic. It is truly fascinating how Elie Wiesel uses just metaphors and similies to create a better understanding for the reader.

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Figurative Language - Definition and Examples | LitCharts

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A concise definition of Figurative Language along with usage tips, an expanded explanation, and lots of examples.

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Authors often use Rhetorical Questioning to view what certain characters want and to help lead readers to a better understanding. In Elie Wiesel's, "Night," it is important to notice that rhetorical questions pop up throughout the book to help readers understand Elie's experiences better. When Elie is pondering why people still look up to god after all he has not been there for, he starts to ask, "... but why would I bless him? Every fiber in me rebelled." (Wiesel page 67). He continues his questioning of why he should praise god for all the horrible things he had done. The questions are a good format for a better understanding because we get to see what Elie thought about god at that moment. These questions also capture how Elie is losing his faith as the holocaust goes on. In all, Just using Questioning as a rhetorical device can enhance the reading experience and create a better understanding of what you're reading.

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What Is a Rhetorical Question? Defintion and Examples | Grammarly

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When is a question not a question? Whether you're for school or conversing with a friend, you've likely asked a rhetorical question at some point. Rhetorical writing an essay questions are said or written to make a point rather than to solicit an answer from the audience.

In this guide, we'll explore the meaning of rhetorical questions, their purpose, and the different types of rhetorical questions as well as give plenty of examples.

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What is a rhetorical question?

A rhetorical question is an inquiry that ends in a question mark but is asked for effect rather than to elicit an answer. It's often used in persuasive writing but is also common in everyday conversation.

Depending on the context of the rhetorical question, its purpose may be to emphasize a point, prompt the audience to consider a topic, or lend intrigue to an argument. The answer to a rhetorical question is usually very obvious the opposite, meaning it can't be easily discerned.

What are the different types of rhetorical questions?

Rhetorical questions are broken down into different types that are used to gain specific outcomes. The different types of rhetorical questions include anthypophora, epiplexis, and erotesis.

Anthypophora (hypophora)

Anthypophora, also known as hypophora, involves asking a question in order to answer it immediately. As a rhetorical question, it allows one to promptly answer a question that the audience or speaker wants addressed without giving others an opportunity to develop a different response or voice opposition.

Who is impacted by pollution? Everyone.

What are the signs of spring? New growth, pollen, and rain.

Why should you believe in me? I'll give you three good reasons . . .

Epiplexis is a rhetorical device in which one asks a question in order to admonish rather than receive an answer. This figure of speech is meant to chide and convert those who either hold an opposing or neutral perspective on a point.

Who wouldn't want to save the whales?

Can't you see what's happening?

How could you do that?

Erotesis positions the question in a way that elicits a strong reaction, either in agreement or rejection. However, this type of rhetorical question typically anticipates a negative response.

When are rhetorical questions used?

Rhetorical questions are used in various forms of writing and . They can be found in literature and are often used in persuasive writing, like essays, debates, and speeches of all kinds, whether political or a commencement speech.

They're also common in everyday conversation as figures of speech and in marketing advertisements.

Rhetorical question examples

Literature

In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , Juliet's soliloquy, in which she reflects on discovering Romeo's family name, includes two rhetorical questions:

'Tis but thy name that is my enemy.

Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,

Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part

Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!

What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.

So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd

Retain that dear perfection which he owes

Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name.

And for that name, which is no part of thee

Take all myself.

Juliet uses anthypophora as a rhetorical device when she answers her own question, What is Montague? with a response describing what Montague is not.

Another famous example of rhetorical questions comes from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice .
If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
In Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland , the Hatter asks a rhetorical question after a brief debate with Alice:

"Take some more tea," the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.

"I've had nothing yet, " Alice replied in an offended tone, "so I can't take any more."

"You mean you can't take less," said the Hatter: "it's very easy to take more than nothing."

"Nobody asked your opinion," said Alice.

" Who's making personal remarks now? " the Hatter asked triumphantly.

In his 1980 speech, President Ronald Reagan strategically used stacked, rhetorical epiplexis to amplify his opinion of the prior administration's results:

Can anyone look at the record of this administration and say, "Well done"? Can anyone compare the state of our economy when the Carter administration took office with where we are today and say, "Keep up the good work"? Can anyone look at our reduced standing in the world today say, "Let's have four more years of this"?

In Emma Watson's United Nations speech on gender equality, she employed a rhetorical question to provoke contemplation:

I decided that I was a feminist, and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify as feminists. Apparently, I'm among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, and anti-men. Unattractive, even.

Why has the word become such an uncomfortable one? I'm from Britain, and I think it is right that I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men.

Everyday language

Below are a few examples of rhetorical questions that might be used in everyday conversation.

When used in context to state something obvious or express sarcasm:

To express the speaker's current frame of mind or a positive emphasis for a point:

Rhetorical question FAQs

What is a rhetorical question?

A rhetorical question is a question that is not meant to have or does not require an answer.

When are rhetorical questions used?

Rhetorical questions are used to emphasize a positive or negative point. They're also used in persuasive to convince the audience to align with an obvious answer to the rhetorical question.

What are the different types of rhetorical questions?

The different types of rhetorical questions include -also called hypophora-as well as anthypophora epiplexis and erotesis.

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Learn about rhetorical questions, how they are used, and the different types of rhetorical questions, with defintions and examples.

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Elie Wiesel uses White space in, "Night," for the separation of different ideas and a clearer understanding to the reader. He uses this many times during his memoir but there is one instance that stands out. When Elie is describing his dad's sickness later on in the book, he uses white space to separate the next paragraph and then starts, "For a ration of bread..." (Wiesel page 108). He uses this pause to create a dramatic effect as he does at many other times in the book. This also signals to the reader a wake-up call, a moment that needs to be noted, as he is talking about his father's bad condition and his certainty of being sent to the crematorium. This is a serious moment in the book, and Elie Wiesel uses white space to his advantage for the separation of important ideas.

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A motif is a recurring thing given in a story as a sign or as to signal a transition to the reader. In Night, Elie Wiesel uses the bell that rings to call people as the motif. As in between different parts of the story, the bell acts as a borderline that separates them. As for one example, it is mentioned on page 73 by Elie, "Whenever I happened to dream of a better world, I Imagined of a universe without a bell."(Wiesel page 73). In many instances, Elie uses the bell as a transition or separation between different important parts of his story. In the book, the bell has become such a huge part of his new world that he couldn't imagine one without it, as he hints back to the bell in the quote. This use of text very easily signals to the reader that the book is changing direction. Elie using a motif as the bell makes his book easier to understand and can signal transitions to the person reading.

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Suspense is used in writing to create a pressured environment which causes the reader to be ready for an anticipated occurrence. An example of this device being used effectively is in chapter 5 of Night by Elie Wiesel. When Elie tells us about when they tested for which people weren't in good condition at the camp, he adds on a layer of anticipation before he was tested for his condition. As they prepare for the test, Elie adds suspense by narrating, "Yes, we were ready. So were the SS doctors. Dr. Mangele was holding a list: our numbers. He nodded to the Blockalteste: we can begin!"(Wiesel page 72). Every short sentence in this sequence adds a small layer of suspense. This was purposefully written to get the reader ready for the test. An anticipated event like this where Elie is tested for life should be noticeable to the reader because this is a pivotal moment in Night. This is one of the many instances in Night that Elie uses suspense to help engage the reader.

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AI generated an image of a train from WWII

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To help encapsulate readers into the books they're reading, Authors might simply use advanced language to describe scenes and immerse readers in their books. This, "Device for effect," is called diction. Elie Wiesel, the author of, "Night," uses this strategy to help better depict the horrible scene of a seal-off transportation train in WWII. Elie remembers his horrible experiences on the transport train to Auschwitz and recalls, "We had fallen into the trap, up to our necks."(Wiesel page 24). After this, Elie goes on to describe how the transport train is like a prison and how there is no way out. All the people packed in that car had to stay in it without choice. The specific language he uses doesn’t just describe the scene, but puts the reader in his shoes and truly helps them picture the surroundings of Elie in the moment he describes.