Key detail analysis. Re-read the sentences below: “Now, as then, we ask the question of all questions: what was the meaning of what was so routinely going on in this kingdom of eternal night? What kind of demented mind could have invented this system?”

1) Why was Auschwitz a “kingdom of eternal night”?
2) Why does he refer to a “demented mind”?

1.) Auschwitz was a nightmare for Jews full of fear, uncertainty, and darkness. Therefore, the author compares the camp to a never-ending night because it was exactly like that. In the night, there is danger and criminals don't have to worry about being seen due to a lack of light.

2.) The author refers to Hitler and the other leaders of the camp as possessing a "demented mind" because the things that occurred in the camp were nothing short of devilish and cruel. I think the author believes that these leaders might even be a bit crazy or mentally unstable to create such a place.