Question

Pressed tightly against one another, in an effort to resist the cold, our heads empty and heavy, our brains a whirlwind of decaying memories. Our minds numb with indifference. Here or elsewhere, what did it matter? Die today or tomorrow, or later? The night was growing longer, never-ending.
–Night,
Elie Wiesel

Which adjective best describes the atmosphere in this passage?

Which excerpt from the passage best reveals this atmosphere?

How does the atmosphere help convey the author’s meaning?

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. Adjective that is best describing the atmosphere in this passage is ''never-ending''. It is showing the readers how the people are feeling about their situation which is also causing a never-ending night. The night was growing longer because of their numb minds and they were questioning themselves when they will die.

2. ''Our minds numb with indifference.'' is the excerpt from the passage that is revealing the atmosphere because the people in the story are indifferent. They are not afraid of death anymore because they know that they will die sooner or later. They are only questioning themselves when will that happen but they are also knowing that it does not matter when. They don't feel any emotions because they had surrendered.

3. This numb atmosphere of the story is showing us the meaning of it. People had found themselves in cold place and they stick together in order to survive the coldness. Their heads are heavy and they are remembering things. The author is showing that in those difficult situation people get indifferent and they can stop worrying about life. At the end of the passage, we can see that their thoughts are not good because they are making the situation even harder for them and causing never-ending night. The more they think, the more night is growing.

Answer 2

Which adjective best describes the atmosphere in this passage?

Passive

Which excerpt from the passage best reveals this atmosphere?

 "Here or elsewhere, what did it matter?"

How does the atmosphere help convey the author’s meaning?

It shows he has given up.