A Character Analysis in Night by Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel’s Night is a profound work that depicts the life of a young Jewish boy during the Holocaust. Amidst the atrocities and horrors of this time period, the author portrays a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, beliefs, and experiences. Through this diverse range of characters, Wiesel is able to explore various themes such as identity, faith, and survival. In this essay, I will focus on the character analysis of the protagonist, Eliezer, and his father, as well as the significance of their relationship.

Eliezer’s Character Analysis

Eliezer, the narrator and protagonist of Night, is a young boy who experiences the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand. Throughout the novel, we see Eliezer transform from an innocent and naïve child to a hardened survivor. In the beginning, Eliezer is deeply religious, studying the Torah daily with his father. However, as time goes on and the atrocities of the Holocaust become more apparent, Eliezer’s faith in God begins to waver. He begins to question whether God can truly exist in a world that permits such horrors to occur. This internal conflict is exemplified in the following quote:

“Why should I bless His name? The Eternal, Lord of the Universe, the All-Powerful and Terrible, was silent. What had I to thank Him for?” (Wiesel, 33)

This quote portrays Eliezer’s struggle with the idea of a just God in the face of such injustice. Eliezer’s faith in God is further tested when he witnesses the brutal death of fellow prisoners and the inhumane treatment of other Jews by the Nazi guards. Throughout the novel, it is clear that Eliezer’s experiences have left an indelible mark on him, as he is unable to justify the existence of God in such a world. However, despite his loss of faith, Eliezer’s determination to survive remains, driving him to push through unimaginable suffering and hardship.

Eliezer’s Relationship with His Father

Eliezer’s relationship with his father is a central aspect of the novel. In the beginning, Eliezer looks up to his father as a strong and wise figure. However, as the novel progresses and their situation becomes more dire, their relationship begins to change. Eliezer’s father becomes weaker and more dependent, causing Eliezer to become increasingly protective and responsible for his father’s well-being. This transition is exemplified in the following quote:

“My father’s presence was the only thing that stopped me from throwing myself into the same ditch.” (Wiesel, 104)

This quote shows the extent of Eliezer’s caring and protective nature towards his father. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust and the threat of death, Eliezer remains loyal to his father until the very end. The significance of their relationship is further underlined as Eliezer’s father becomes progressively weaker and eventually dies in the concentration camp. This loss is a devastating blow to Eliezer, who has lost the one person left in the world that he loves.

Elie Wiesel’s Night is a haunting portrayal of the Holocaust and the atrocities committed during this time period. Through the character development of Eliezer and his father, the novel explores important themes such as faith, identity, and survival. Eliezer’s loss of faith and subsequent transformation from innocent child to hardened survivor highlight the horrors of the concentration camps and the impact that they had on those who endured them. Similarly, the relationship between Eliezer and his father encapsulates the bond between child and parent, and the lengths that one will go to protect and care for those that they love. Overall, Night is a profound work that serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering.