Example of Inhumanity in Night

Night, written by Elie Wiesel, is a powerful and harrowing account of the inhumanity experienced by the author and other prisoners during the Holocaust. In this essay, we will explore some of the examples of inhumanity depicted in the book, and analyze the impact of these acts on both the victims and the perpetrators.

Dehumanization of the Jewish Prisoners

One of the most striking examples of inhumanity in Night is the dehumanization of the Jewish prisoners by the Nazis. From the very beginning of their imprisonment, the Jews are stripped of their basic human rights and treated as subhuman. They are forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, given minimal food and water, and subjected to brutal physical and emotional abuse. Their individual identities are erased, and they are reduced to mere numbers, as evidenced by the tattooing of identification numbers on their arms. This dehumanization serves to break down the prisoners' spirits and rob them of their dignity, making it easier for the Nazis to carry out their atrocities.

Violence and Cruelty by Nazi Guards

Another example of inhumanity in Night is the extreme violence and cruelty inflicted upon the prisoners by the Nazi guards. Throughout the book, we witness countless acts of brutality, including beatings, shootings, and arbitrary killings. The guards seem to take pleasure in causing suffering and death, and they show no remorse for their actions. One particularly chilling scene occurs when a young boy is hanged in front of the other prisoners, and they are forced to watch as he struggles for his life. This wanton disregard for human life is a stark reminder of the depths of depravity to which the Nazis sank during the Holocaust.

Psychological Torment and Degradation

In addition to the physical violence, the prisoners are also subjected to psychological torment and degradation. They are constantly reminded of their powerlessness and insignificance, and are made to feel as though their lives are utterly worthless. This psychological torture is exemplified by the infamous selection process at Auschwitz, during which prisoners are sorted into two groups: those deemed fit for work and those deemed unfit. The latter group is sent to the gas chambers, where they meet their horrific end. This arbitrary and dehumanizing process serves to instill fear and hopelessness in the prisoners, and to reinforce the idea that their lives are entirely expendable.

Betrayal and Cruelty Among the Prisoners

The inhumanity depicted in Night is not limited to the actions of the Nazis, however. We also see instances of betrayal and cruelty among the prisoners themselves. In one particularly poignant scene, a son kills his own father for a crust of bread, demonstrating the extent to which the prisoners have been driven to desperation and moral decay by their circumstances. This betrayal of familial bonds and the abandonment of morality in the face of extreme hardship are further examples of the dehumanizing effects of the Holocaust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Night serves as a powerful testament to the inhumanity of the Holocaust, and the profound impact it had on its victims. Through the depiction of dehumanization, violence, and psychological torment, the book offers a stark and unflinching portrayal of the depths of human cruelty. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our humanity in the face of adversity, and of the enduring legacy of the Holocaust in shaping our understanding of the human capacity for both good and evil.