Night by Elie Wiesel English II – Vezina Night Journal & Sketchbook For this Unit, you will keep a journal/sketchbook to record responses from your readings of Night. This is a combination of sketches and/or written responses that you choose to complete throughout your readings of the story. You will be required to make a written entry and sketch for each chapter in the novel. Things to remember: • First, decide on the format for your journal/sketchbook. Spend some time decorating your cover and setting up the book. • Make sure to include the number of each chapter (1-­‐9) and the page numbers in your copy of the book. Also, date each entry. • You can sketch memorable scenes from the chapters, paste in magazine pictures, or use computer clip art. Even if you do not consider yourself a good artist, try to make some sketches. • Use colors that remind you of the mood of the story. You may want to take photographs and put them in the journal/sketchbook as well. • The written entries should focus on your response to the literature, and should not merely be chapter summaries. See attached sheet for journal ideas. they should include comments about your thoughts, feelings while reading, any questions you have, and predictions about the next chapter. • There are suggested journal questions for each chapter, you do not have to use these, but you can use them as a starting point. • Try to write at least one page for each entry. Here are some suggestions for the types of entries you may want to make: Chapter 1 • Write your responses to the book so far. You might also list questions and comments that come to mind as you read this part of the book. • The word Night is a key word in this section of the book. What does the word mean early in the first chapter? How does the meaning change as the story progresses? •
The narrator from time to time breaks away from the story to tell the reader about something that happened later or to ask a question. Why do you think he has chosen to do so? How is he preparing you for the rest of the story? •
The narrator mentions a number of events in this section that take place for the first time. Why do you think the author has chosen to draw your attention to them? Chapters 2-­‐3 • Write your responses to this section of the book. You might also record any questions or comments you have about the reading. • What did you find surprising or difficult to understand in this section of the book? • The word Night takes on new meaning in this section of the book. What has the word come to symbolize? How are the words fire and flame used in this section of the book? What do you think these words mean to the narrator? Chapter 4 • Write your responses to this section of the book. You might also list any questions you have about anything you read in this part of the book. • The word hunger takes on new meaning in this section of the book. What does the word mean to Eliezer? What other words have taken on new meaning in this section of the novel? Chapter 5 • Write your response to this section of the book. You might also list questions and comments on this part of the story. • Night is written in short, simple sentences. Critics call this kind of writing “controlled.” That means that every word has been carefully chosen for a precise meaning. How do you explain the decision to write in a “controlled” or measured way to describe experiences that are beyond control? Chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9 • Night focuses on a single year in Eliezer’s life. Identify some of the internal and external conflicts he faced that year. • In the next to the last sentence of the novel, Eliezer says that when he looked in a mirror after liberation, he saw a corpse gazing back at him. He ends the book by stating, “The look in his eyes, as they stared into mine, has never left me.” What does he mean by that statement? • How did the relationship between Eliezer and his father change in the course of the year in which the book focuses? How do you account for the change? • What is the meaning of the title, Night? • Why do you think Wiesel tells his story from the first person perspective? If Night were written in the third person, would it be more or less believable? Why do you think Elie Wiesel begins Night with the story of Moshe the Beadle? What lessons does the narrator seem to learn from Moshe’s experiences in telling his own story? Reflection • Explain what Eliezer’s story means to you. • What did the word night mean to you before you read the book? How has the meaning of the word changed for you? how did it change for the author? • Each night is the end of one day and the start of another. What does that suggest about the need to bear witness? To not only tell the story but also have the story be heard and acknowledged? **Please note: the above suggestions for journal entries are for multiple chapters. You only need EIGHT entries and one reflection. Night by Elie Wiesel English II – Vezina Journal/Sketchbook Rubric Student Name ___________________________________________________________ Category 4 3 2 1 General Requirements Journal Entries (8 Scores) Sketches (5 scores) Reflection Journal has all required elements. This includes 8 journal entries, 5 sketches, 1 reflection, decorated cover. Journal is also written neatly in pen or typed. Journal is missing no more than 2 of the required elements. This includes 8 journal entries, 5 sketches, 1 reflection, decorated cover. Journal is also written neatly in pen or typed. Journal entry is a Journal is close to minimum of one one full full paragraph paragraph (8-­‐10 (10-­‐12 sentences) sentences) and and relates relates mostly to completely to that that section of the section of the book. book. Sketch or picture Sketch or picture is neat and is neat and thought-­‐
thought-­‐
provoking, and provoking, and completely mostly relates relates either to a either to a section section of the of the book or a book or a specific specific journal journal entry. entry. Picture may also relate to the book as a whole. Reflection is Reflection is honest and honest. It thought-­‐
contains the provoking. It student’s contains the thoughts on the student’s book and the thoughts on the assignment. It is a book and the minimum of 8-­‐10 assignment. It is a sentences. minimum of 10-­‐
12 sentences. Journal is missing no more than 4 of the required elements. This includes 8 journal entries, 5 sketches, 1 reflection, decorated cover. Journal is also written neatly in pen or typed. Journal entry is a short paragraph (6-­‐8 sentences) and relates somewhat to that section of the book. Sketch or picture attempted and relates somewhat to either a section from the book or a specific journal entry. Reflection may not come across as completely honest or sincere. It contains the student’s thoughts on the book or the assignment. It is 6-­‐8 sentences in length. Journal is missing 5 or more of the required elements. This includes 8 journal entries, 5 sketches, 1 reflection, decorated cover. Journal is also written neatly in pen or typed. Journal entry is not a complete paragraph (less than 6 sentences) and relates very little to that section of the book. Sketch or picture is not present or does not relate to either a section of the book or a journal entry. Reflection is less than 6 sentences in length, and does not display an honest or sincere reflection of the student’s thoughts on assignment. Organization Entries and sketches are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader. Some entries or sketches are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader. Many entries or sketches are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw picture sin the reader’s mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. Entries and sketches are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented sometimes makes the writing/pictures less interesting. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader’s mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. Word Choice Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. Writer makes no errors in grammar or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes 1-­‐2 errors in grammar or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes 3-­‐4 errors in grammar or punctuation that distract the reader form the content. Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader’s interest. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning. Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or punctuation that distract reader from content. Grammar and Mechanics Requirements: Decorated Cover Cover relates to the theme of the novel. Eight Journal Entries Each entry is a minimum of one page and analyzes each chapter thoroughly. Sketches A minimum of five sketches relating to either journal entries or story. Reflection A minimum of a one page reflection on your thoughts on the novel and the journal/sketchbook assignment. Journal Entry & Reflection typed or written neatly in pen. Total points ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ _____ / 100