Comparing Two Hangings In Night And The Holocaust

“The thousands of people who died daily in Auschwitz and Birkenau, in the crematoria, no longer troubled me. But this boy, leaning against the gallows, upset me deeply.” The two hangings described in Night appeared exceptionally similar but were in reality drastically different. Both of these hangings executed those who were found to be guilty of a crime. In addition, the prisoners of the concentration camp were forced to witness both of the hangings. The prisoners likewise were ordered by the Nazis to show a sign of respect to those who were executed at the two hangings. Nevertheless, the two hangings had their differences. At the first hanging, a young man was executed, whereas at the second hanging three people were executed, including a …show more content…
The victim at the first hanging was executed for theft. Likewise the victims at the second hanging were executed for possession of weapons. Additionally, at both of the hangings, the prisoners of the concentration camp were forced to attend and witness the executions. Once the victims were executed, the prisoners were forced to look into the eyes of those who were hanged. “The Kapos forced everyone to look him squarely in the face.” Moreover, at both of the hangings the prisoners of the concentration camp were required to show a sign of respect to those who were put to death at the hangings. The prisoners were ordered to show a sign of respect by lifting their caps off, and then putting their caps back on. “‘Caps off!’ the Lagerälteste suddenly shouted. Ten thousand caps came off at once. ‘Cover your heads!’” This seemed like an act of respect, but in fact was offensive to the Jews. This was a Gentle custom of respect. In Jewish customs, the Jew’s caps would remain on their heads to show respect. In conclusion, the two hangings were immensely …show more content…
At both of the hangings, those executed were guilty of a crime. All of the prisoners were forced to witness both hangings. The Jews were forced to show a sign of respect to the victims at both hangings. Contrary, however, to the routine and similarities between the two, the second hanging was drastically different. A young man was executed at the first hanging, but three people, one a small boy, were executed at the second hanging. The prisoners felt unaltered by the first hanging, whereas the prisoners felt demoralized by the second hanging. The Nazis conducted the first hanging swiftly and mechanically. However, the Nazis were uneasy and anxious when conducting the second hanging. In spite of their differences, both of these two hangings had a dramatic impact on the lives of those who witnessed the