Text Complexity Analysis of Night by Elie Weisel
Qualitative Measures
Levels of Meaning/Purpose: This book is set in 1944 as a 15 year old boy
experiences the horrors of the Holocaust. The story can be taken literally, but also as
a commentary on the brutality of the human condition during a dark period in our
history.
Structure: The structure of this text is that of a memoir; a man looks back on his life
at the age of 15. The story is simply structured and is easily readable, but contains
some upper level vocabulary throughout. There are many sentences that can be
read literally, but have deeper meaning through symbolism and various ways they
can be interpreted by the reader.
Quantitative
QualitativeMeasures
Measures
Lexile or Other Quantitative Measure of the Text:
This title is identified as falling between a lexile level of 570-590. It’s listed as having
a Reading Level between 4.8 and 5.6. However, interest level is listed as “upper
grades” and 9th-11th grade. The issue of genocide and the complexity of the themes
require higher level reading skills and a higher maturity level of the reader.
Language Conventionality and Clarity: The characters speak in easily
understandable, conversational language. There is quite a bit of dialogue. The first
person narration is also easy to comprehend in most parts.
Knowledge Demands: To fully grasp this novel, students must have fairly extensive
knowledge of the time period in which it is set. Students should have a background
on the history of World War II, some general European historical knowledge,
knowledge of the Jewish experience during the time period and background
information on the Holocaust. In addition, higher level understanding of the themes
of human’s inhumanity to other humans, abuses of power, sadism, survival and the
struggle to maintain a belief in a higher power is also required of the reader.
Reader-Task Considerations
Potential Challenges this Text Poses: This novel is graphic, disturbing and about a
highly emotional subject matter. It is packed with symbols of the lack of humanity
toward prisoners of war. The themes are complex and multi-layered and require
higher level thinking and reading skills in order to grasp the terror and horrors of this
first person account of the Holocaust. In addition, genocide continues to be an
important topic in some parts of the world today.
Recommended Placement
Although the qualitative measures of this text suggest placement in the 4th to 5th grade complexity bands, the qualitative measures and reader and task
considerations suggest that the novel is best placed at the 6th-8th grade complexity band due to the level of maturity required, knowledge demands and ability
to understand difficult themes.
Text Complexity Analysis of Night by Elie Weisel
Although the qualitative measures of this text suggest placement in the 4th to 5th grade complexity bands, the qualitative measures and reader and task considerations
suggest that the novel is best placed at the 6th-8th grade complexity band due to the level of maturity required, knowledge demands and ability to understand difficult
themes.