Question

1. part a: why does elie wiesel believe indifference is the most dangerous emotion?

a. because it creates prejudice and hatred
b. because it allows suffering to continue
c. because it is the root of all violence
d. because it cannot be completely destroyed

1. part b: which detail from the text best supports the answer to part a?

a. \a strange and unnatural state in which the lines blur between light and darkness\ (paragraph 5)
b. \it is so much easier to look away from victims... their hidden or even visible anguish is of no interest.\ (paragraph 6)
c. \for us to be ignored by god was a harsher punishment than to be a victim of his anger.\ (paragraph 8)
d. \even hatred at times may elicit a response. you fight it. you denounce it. you disarm it.\ (paragraph 9)

1. how do paragraphs 15 - 16 contribute to the development of the texts central idea?

Explanation:

• Part A: Wiesel emphasizes that indifference allows suffering to persist. When people are indifferent, they do not take action to stop the pain of others. Prejudice and hatred (A) are emotions related to negative views of others, but Wiesel's focus is on the inaction of indifference. Indifference is not the root of all violence (C); rather, it is a lack of response to violence. The idea that it cannot be destroyed (D) is not the main reason he gives for its danger.
• Part B: Option D supports the idea that indifference is dangerous because it contrasts with hatred. Hatred can elicit a response (fighting, denouncing, disarming), but indifference allows suffering to continue as there is no such active opposition. Option A is a description of a state but not directly related to the danger of indifference. Option B talks about looking away but does not connect as strongly to the concept of allowing suffering to continue as Option D. Option C is about God's punishment and not relevant to the danger of indifference in the context of human - caused suffering.

Answer:

• Part A: B. because it allows suffering to continue
• Part B: D. "Even hatred at times may elicit a response. You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it." (Paragraph 9)