There are several words that have a strong connotation. Some include motionless, hunted, creatures, and silent.
Connotation refers to how a word makes you feel. If a word makes you feel strong emotion about the scenario then it has a strong connotation.
In the case of Wiesel's narrative think about how the words motionless, hunted, creatures, and silent make you feel. These word choices help convey a scenario that is sad, dark, and helpless.