Question

Lying down was not an option, nor could we all sit down. We decide to take turns sitting. There was little air. The lucky ones found themselves near the window; they could watch the blooming countryside. After two days travel, thirst became intolerable, as did the heat. There was still some food left. But we never ate enough to satisfy our hunger. Our principle was to economize, to save for tomorrow. Tomorrow could be worse yet.

–Night,
Elie Wiesel

What does the use of the phrase “the lucky ones” convey about the author’s viewpoint?

What does the phrase “But we never ate enough to satisfy our hunger” demonstrate about the author?

Answer 1

1) Calling those by the window “the lucky ones” is ironic and bitter. It shows the author’s viewpoint that only tiny, trivial comforts (a bit more air, a view of the countryside) could be called “luck” amid the horrific, dehumanizing conditions—he measures “luck” in small reliefs rather than real safety or freedom.

2) “But we never ate enough to satisfy our hunger” demonstrates the relentless physical deprivation they endured and the failure of rationing to meet basic needs. It also implies a resigned, survival-minded discipline (they economized for fear of a worse tomorrow) while emphasizing the constant, insatiable nature of their hunger and suffering.