FOUND POETRY: Night
A Found Poem is shaped from a collection of words and phrases taken from another’s writing.
None of the words of the poems are original—all of the words and phrases in the poem come
directly from the original work.
For this assignment, you will create a found poem based on Elie Weisel’s Night.
To begin, in groups you will search through the novel and find strong images, words, and
phrases. Each person is responsible for one chapter, and will take the given time to
skim the chapter, jotting down any vivid words, phrases, etc. that stand out to them and
the page number they found the phrase on.
After the allotted time, you will share with your group members the phrases you have
chosen.
All group members should listen to their peers, and take at least one line per chapter
from a peer into their notes to possibly use in their own found poem.
After each group member has shared and everyone has copied lines from their peers,
you will work independently to create a Found Poem based on the words, images, and
tone of Night.
You must keep track of the page numbers you are using to cite Elie Weisel’s words.
Your poem must be a minimum of 8 lines.
Example, with page numbers:
Like an orphan (72)
Sleep had fled (30)
Cherished objects (27)
Smashed, trampled (91)
Disappeared into the night shadows (28)
Slow Agony (62)
Don’t lose courage (38)
Never lose faith (29)
Possible themes/images your poem could be about:
Fire
Night
Darkness
Loss
SS Officers
Faith
Fathers/Sons
Suffering
Loss of humanity
Death