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Q

Why did the prisoners have to wash the floors of the blocks before the evacuation?

A

As the front is closer and closer to Buna, the concentration camp is ordered to evacuate in a few days. However, before the evacuation, the Nazis order people to wash floors and clean their living spaces. This was made to demonstrate to the liberating army that they were living like humans, not animals.

Detailed answer:

In Night, Elie Wiesel describes his emotions and experiences during his stay in concentration camps. The author makes an emphasis on the Fascists’ violence and multiple acts of inhumanity.

At the end of World War II, Eliezer discovers that his food is swelling due to the cold. In order to avoid amputation, he gets an operation. In the hospital, he is informed that the camp will be evacuated in a few days. Elie is afraid that all patients will be left and exterminated. So, he decided to return to the barrack despite the fact that his wound is still bleeding. In blocks, all prisoners are given extra margarine and bread for a forthcoming trip. Wearing all clothes they can find, people are ready to leave the barracks. However, the block’s head orders them to wash floors and clean their living spaces. Wondering what the reason for doing this was? It was made in order to demonstrate to the liberating army that they were living like humans, not animals. Eliezer and his father are evacuated with prisoners to stay alive. Then, they discover that all occupants in the hospital were liberated by the Russian army two days later.

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