Consider how The Power of Illusion affected Wiesel and the Jewish community during World War II and the Holocaust. Overall, do you think it helped them overcome their horrific situation or caused them further pain? Explain, using ideas and events from the text to support your response.

Teaching Suggestion: As described in the memoir, many of Wiesel’s family and friends avoided accepting the truth of the Nazi invasion of Hungary, assuming that the situation would pass and circumstances would improve. If students responded to the Personal Connection Prompt before reading the memoir, they might reflect on their prior responses to gain insight into the mindset of the Sighet community when confronted by a difficult truth.