“It took us a long time to recover from this harsh awakening. We were still trembling, and with every screech of the wheels, we felt the abyss opening beneath us. Unable to still our anguish, we tried to reassure each other.” 1. What is an “abyss”? What associations do you have with this word?
2. What feeling does Wiesel intend to capture by using the word "abyss" in this passage?
3. What additional feelings do words like “harsh,” “screech, and “anguish” create in the passage?

Answer and Explanation:

1. What is an “abyss”? What associations do you have with this word?

By definition, an abyss is an immeasurable and deep space or chasm, something like a canyon. When I think of an abyss, what comes to my mind is the fear of falling down. An abyss may be something astonishing to look at, but not necessarily in a good way. It can be terrifying.

2. What feeling does Wiesel intend to capture by using the word "abyss" in this passage?

Wiesel most likely refers to an "abyss opening beneath us" to capture the feeling any of us would have if falling down an abyss. First, there would be fear. Then, we would realize the inevitability of the tragedy. There is nothing we can do once we fall but wait for the ground and, with it, death. To someone being taken to a concentration camp by Nazis, this feeling of fear and inevitability must have been overwhelming.

3. What additional feelings do words like “harsh,” “screech, and “anguish” create in the passage?

Besides fear, those words help convey a feeling of nervousness, anxiety, and suffering. Everything about the situation described in the passage is cruel.

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