Examples of Change in "Night" by Elie Wiesel

Change is an inevitable part of life, and it often shapes individuals in profound ways. Elie Wiesel's memoir, "Night," provides a harrowing account of his experiences during the Holocaust. Throughout the text, the reader witnesses the transformation of Elie, a young Jewish boy, as he navigates the horrors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. This essay will explore several instances where Elie undergoes significant change, examining the effects of these transformations on his beliefs, relationships, and sense of identity. By analyzing these examples, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the extreme circumstances of the Holocaust impacted Elie and shaped his character.

Beliefs and Faith

One of the most prominent changes that occur in Elie throughout "Night" is his transformation in beliefs and faith. At the beginning of the memoir, Elie is deeply devout and has a strong faith in God. He seeks solace and guidance through his religious practices, finding comfort in the teachings of his rabbi and the traditions of his community. However, the atrocities he witnesses in the concentration camps challenge his faith.

One example of this change can be seen when Elie witnesses the hanging of a young boy at Auschwitz. This event shakes Elie to his core, making him question the existence of a just and merciful God. He wonders how a benevolent deity could allow such senseless suffering and cruelty to occur. Elie's inner struggle is evident when he says, "For the first time, I felt revolt rise up in me. 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, p. 33).

This example showcases a profound shift in Elie's beliefs. The trauma and dehumanization he experiences lead him to question the very foundation of his faith. He no longer sees God as a source of comfort and protection but as an absent figure who allows unimaginable suffering to persist. This change in beliefs not only alters Elie's relationship with God but also affects his overall perspective on life and the world around him.

Relationships

The extreme circumstances of the Holocaust also lead to significant changes in Elie's relationships, particularly with his father. At the beginning of the memoir, Elie and his father share a close bond, relying on each other for support and comfort. However, the harsh conditions of the concentration camps strain their relationship and force Elie to question his loyalty to his father.

An example of this change can be seen when Elie's father falls ill and becomes weak. Elie is torn between his responsibility to care for his father and his own survival instincts. He grapples with feelings of guilt and resents his father for being a burden. Elie reflects on this internal conflict, stating, "I did not weep, and it pained me that I could not weep. But I had no more tears. And, in the depths of my being, in the recesses of my weakened conscience, could I have searched it, I might perhaps have found something like-free at last!" (Wiesel, p. 112).

This example highlights the strain that the Holocaust places on familial relationships. Elie's transformation from a dutiful son to someone who questions his own compassion and humanity demonstrates the profound impact of the concentration camps on his psyche. The extreme circumstances push Elie to confront his own survival instincts and redefine his understanding of loyalty and responsibility.

Sense of Identity

Lastly, the experiences depicted in "Night" bring about a transformation in Elie's sense of identity. Before the Holocaust, Elie identifies strongly with his Jewish heritage and the traditions of his community. However, the atrocities he witnesses and endures challenge his understanding of himself and his place in the world.

One example of this change can be seen when Elie is forced to have his hair shaved in the concentration camp. The loss of his hair not only strips Elie of his physical appearance but also symbolizes the loss of his identity. He reflects on this moment, saying, "I looked at my reflection in the mirror...I no longer felt anything except the lashes of the whip. In the mirror, a corpse gazed back at me" (Wiesel, p. 39).

This example illustrates the profound impact that the dehumanization and loss of identity had on Elie. The Holocaust strips him of his individuality and reduces him to a mere shell of his former self. The transformation in his sense of identity is marked by the loss of his physical appearance and the realization that he is no longer recognized as an individual but as part of a dehumanized mass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elie Wiesel's memoir "Night" chronicles the transformation of a young boy as he navigates the horrors of the Holocaust. Through examining Elie's changes in beliefs, relationships, and sense of identity, we gain insight into the profound impact of the concentration camps on his character. The traumatic experiences shake Elie's faith, strain his relationships, and strip him of his sense of self. By understanding these examples of change, we come to appreciate the resilience and strength of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. "Night" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and the enduring need for compassion and understanding in our world today.