Night Connotative Meanings: Chapter Two

When writing about Madame Schachter in the train, Wiesel stated that “She was howling, pointing through the window” (25). What is the connotative meaning behind the word “howling”? (What does the word do to Mrs. Schachter?)

As they approached Auschwitz, Wiesel tells the reader that fear was “gnawing at us, nevertheless” (27). What is the connotative meaning behind the word “gnawing”? (How does that word impact the “fear” that Wiesel mentions?)

Once the train pulls to a stop, Wiesel explains that “Strange-looking creatures, dressed in striped jackets and black pants, jumped into the wagon” (28). What is the connotative meaning behind the word “creatures”? (Think about which word would normally have been used in its place.)