Madame Schacter is a character of the book "Night", written by Elie Wiesel.
On the train to Auschwitz, Elie meets Madame Schacter who has having visions of fire. She constantly warns the people on the train of the flames that awaits them. Her words prove be true as Elie steps off the train and witnesses the flames of the crematorium and the smell of burning flesh...
Madame Schachter's terrible visions are likely caused by her extreme fear and anxiety about the unknown fate that lies ahead. The crowded and chaotic conditions of the train journey, combined with her pre-existing mental instability, could have led to hallucinations and paranoia.
That flames were gushing out of tall chimney into the black sky
Chapter 2 page 24
She had visions of fire and flames.
the fire
Madame Schachter's two eldest sons and husband were separated from her upon arrival at Auschwitz and likely sent to the gas chambers. The fate of most families upon arrival at concentration camps was to be separated and killed.
She said that she saw a fire, and Elie Wiesel later on in "Night" said that she was sort of like a prophet because she was seeing fire and smoke which later came to be identified as the crematoria.
Madame Schachter screams in the book "Night" because she has visions of a fire consuming the Jews on the train, symbolizing the impending horror and destruction they are about to face in the concentration camps. Her screams are a manifestation of her distress and terror at what she sees in her visions.
The men on the train tie up Madame Schachter to stop her from screaming. They are unable to endure her screams, which are a result of her delirium from being separated from her family and the trauma of their situation.
Madame Schachter's treatment on the train foreshadows the suffering and mistreatment that the Jews will face in the concentration camp. Her screams and visions represent the fear and trauma that the Jews will experience during their time in the camp, highlighting the brutality and inhumanity of the Holocaust.
the fire
Madame Schachter's visions of fire and destruction on the train are later confirmed when the passengers arrive at Auschwitz and witness the actual burning of bodies. This suggests that her so-called madness was actually a premonition of the horrors that would unfold, making her a tragic visionary rather than simply crazy.
Madame Schächter and Moshe the Beadle both experience traumatic events during the Holocaust that cause them to act irrationally. They both are seen as "crazy" by others due to their visions and warnings that later prove to be true. Their stories illustrate the theme of disbelief and denial that is prevalent during this dark time in history.
Madame Loisel's friendship with Madame Forestier is characterized by Madame Forestier's generosity and Madame Loisel's desire to emulate Madame Forestier's lifestyle. Madame Loisel is envious of Madame Forestier's wealth and status, which creates tension in their relationship.
Madame Walker Madame Walker Madame Walker Madame Walker Madame Walker Madame Walker
Madame de Staël ? Madame de La Fayette ? Madame de Graffigny ? Madame de Sévigné ? and there are other ones...
The treatment of Madame Schachter, who had visions of fire on the train to Auschwitz, revealed the increasing fear and paranoia within the community as they approached the concentration camp. It also demonstrated how the community tried to suppress or ignore harsh realities in order to cope with their own fears and discomfort.