The hardships that Eliezer endures during his first day in the Birkenau concentration camp are engraved on his mind forever. He and his father are told to lie about their ages, but are not told why they must do so. The situation they encounter is almost unimaginable. Helpless people are being slaughtered indiscriminately, simply because of which way Dr. Mengele’s baton points. Make sure to explain these things: • Why do people have to lie about their ages? • Why does the conversation “seem like an eternity?” • What would have happened if Eliezer had run after his father? • Who is Dr. Mengele? from the book Night