Ghettos Description in Night by Elie Wiesel

In Elie Wiesel's memoir Night, the reader is exposed to the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of a young Jewish boy, Eliezer. Throughout the book, the concept of ghettos is mentioned several times, shedding light on the dehumanizing conditions and the immense suffering endured by Jews during this dark period in history. This essay will explore the description and significance of ghettos in Night, analyzing their role in the systematic persecution of Jews by the Nazis. By examining the conditions within the ghettos and their impact on the Jewish population, it becomes evident that ghettos were a central component of the Nazis' plan to isolate and dehumanize Jews.

The Creation of Ghettos

One of the first mentions of ghettos in Night occurs when Eliezer and his family are forced to leave their home and move to the Jewish ghetto in Sighet, Romania. This relocation was part of the Nazis' strategy to segregate and control the Jewish population. The ghettos were established in various cities across Europe, confining Jews to specific neighborhoods or areas that were often overcrowded and lacking in basic necessities.

Wiesel describes the creation of the ghetto in Sighet, stating, "The ghetto was ruled by neither German nor Jew; it was ruled by delusion" (Wiesel 17). This quote highlights the chaotic and unstable nature of life within the ghetto. The Jews were left to govern themselves, but without any real power or authority. Consequently, the ghetto became a place of despair and hopelessness, where Jewish residents were stripped of their dignity and subjected to the whims of the Nazis.

Living Conditions in the Ghettos

The living conditions within the ghettos were abysmal, with overcrowded housing, inadequate sanitation, and scarce food supplies. Wiesel vividly portrays the squalor and suffering endured by the Jews in the ghettos. He writes, "The rooms were filled to capacity. Twenty-five people in a single room, men and women together" (Wiesel 19). This description emphasizes the extreme overcrowding that characterized the ghettos, making it nearly impossible for individuals to maintain any sense of privacy or dignity.

Furthermore, the lack of sanitation within the ghettos led to the rapid spread of disease. Wiesel recalls the rampant sickness and death that plagued the residents, stating, "Each day brought new victims, but people still refused to believe that the end was near" (Wiesel 21). This quote demonstrates the desperation and denial that permeated the ghetto, as people clung to hope despite the overwhelming evidence of their impending doom.

The Psychological Impact of Ghettos

In addition to the physical hardships endured by Jews in the ghettos, the psychological impact was equally devastating. The isolation and confinement experienced by the Jewish population within the ghettos stripped them of their humanity and individuality. Wiesel reflects on this loss of identity, stating, "We were no longer Jews, but prisoners in striped uniforms" (Wiesel 47). By reducing Jews to mere prisoners, the Nazis aimed to dehumanize and demoralize them, eroding any sense of self-worth or pride.

Moreover, the constant fear and uncertainty within the ghettos took a toll on the mental well-being of the Jews. Wiesel recounts the paranoia and despair that permeated daily life, noting, "Fear was greater than hunger. Hunger was forgotten in the face of fear" (Wiesel 65). This quote illustrates the overwhelming power of fear within the ghettos, overshadowing even the most basic human needs. The psychological trauma inflicted by the Nazis through the creation and maintenance of the ghettos further underscores the systematic dehumanization of Jews during the Holocaust.

The Legacy of the Ghettos

The ghettos described in Night serve as a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The Jews confined within these ghettos endured unimaginable suffering and loss. The ghettos were not only physical spaces of confinement but also symbolic representations of the Nazis' attempt to eradicate Jewish culture and identity.

In conclusion, Elie Wiesel's Night provides a harrowing depiction of the ghettos during the Holocaust. The creation and existence of these ghettos played a crucial role in the systematic persecution of Jews by the Nazis. The dehumanizing conditions and immense suffering experienced by Jews within the ghettos highlight the depths of cruelty inflicted upon them. By exploring the description and significance of ghettos in Night, it becomes clear that the ghettos were a central component of the Nazis' plan to isolate and dehumanize Jews. The legacy of the ghettos serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the need to remember and learn from this dark chapter in history.

Bibliography

Wiesel, Elie. Night. Hill and Wang, 2006.