What is the thesis statement for the article Quilt of a Country

What is the central idea of paragraph 1 of the story?

Which words in this excerpt from the count of monte cristo can be used as synonyms to determine the meaning of the word grotto? dant? s entered the second grotto. the second grotto was lower and more gloomy than the first; the air that could only enter by the newly formed opening had the mephitic smell dant? s was surprised not to find in the outer cavern. he waited in order to allow pure air to displace the foul atmosphere, and then went on. 1. air 2. opening 3. mephitic 4. cavern 5. pure 6. atmosphere

Wiesel interrupts the narration that begin with, "a few ss officers wandered through the room, " with a parenthetical insertion. explain the purpose of the insertion.