Elie Wiesel discusses the dangers of indifference in his speech "The Perils of Indifference". He argues that indifference allows suffering and injustice to persist in the world. Wiesel believes that when individuals stand by and do nothing in the face of problems, it empowers those causing harm and suffering. He urges people to fight indifference by speaking out, taking action, and defending basic human rights and dignity for all people.

1. THE PERILS OF
INDIFFERENCE
ELIE WIESEL

2. TERMS TO KNOW
T H I N G S WR I T E R S D O …

3. JUXTAPOSITION
• the fact of two things being seen or placed
close together with contrasting effect.
• also known as opposition
For example:
• the prisoners fighting for bread and the
people fighting for coins in Night

4. PARALLEL STRUCTURE
• repetition of phrases or sentences that is similar in
meaning and in structure to create rhythm and
emphasis.
For example:
• We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any
hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in
order to assure the survival and success of liberty.
• A time not for words, but for action.
• “Never shall I forget” passage from Night.

5. YOUR TASK

6. THE PERILS OF INDIFFERENCE
• Mark up the text.
• Apply our strategies for attacking new/different
words.
• Look for Wiesel’s use of
• juxtaposition
• Parallel structure
• We’ll talk about when and how he uses them after
we’re done reading.

7. REACT

8. IN WRITING,
• Connect one of these quotes to “The Perils of
Indifference” to examine Wiesel’s purpose for
writing.
• "The world is too dangerous to live in-not because
of the people who do evil, but because of the
people who sit and let it happen." -Albert Einstein
• "To sin by silence when they should protest, makes
cowards of men." -Abraham Lincoln