Is Survival Selfishness in Night by Elie Wiesel

In Elie Wiesel's memoir Night, the author recounts his experiences as a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust. Throughout the narrative, the theme of survival emerges as a central focus. The question arises: does survival require selfishness? This essay will explore the instances of selfishness portrayed in the text and analyze their implications on the characters' survival. By examining the actions and motivations of the individuals in the memoir, it becomes evident that survival in such extreme circumstances often necessitates a certain level of selfishness.

Selfishness in the Face of Adversity

One of the first instances of selfishness observed in Night is when the Jewish community of Sighet, Elie's hometown, initially dismisses the rumors of the impending Holocaust. Despite the warnings from Moshe the Beadle, who had escaped a Nazi concentration camp, the community chooses to remain in denial. This collective selfishness stems from their desire to maintain a sense of normalcy and avoid disruption in their lives. However, this denial ultimately leads to their downfall, as they are caught off guard when the Nazis arrive and begin deporting them to concentration camps.

Furthermore, as Elie and his father endure the harsh conditions of Auschwitz, their own survival becomes their primary concern. Elie, in an act of self-preservation, admits to feeling a sense of relief when his father passes away. This admission may seem callous at first glance, but it is a reflection of the brutal reality of the concentration camps. Elie's survival depended on distancing himself emotionally from his father's suffering, as he needed to prioritize his own well-being in order to endure the horrors of the camp.

Similarly, other prisoners in the memoir also exhibit selfish behavior in their pursuit of survival. In one instance, a son kills his own father for a piece of bread. This shocking act demonstrates the extreme measures individuals were willing to take to ensure their own survival, even if it meant betraying their own family members. This level of selfishness is a testament to the dehumanizing conditions of the concentration camps, where basic necessities were scarce and every individual had to fight for their own survival.

The Moral Dilemma

While survival in such dire circumstances often necessitates selfishness, it raises a moral dilemma. Is it justifiable for individuals to prioritize their own survival at the expense of others? Elie Wiesel struggles with this dilemma throughout the memoir, as he witnesses countless acts of cruelty and selfishness. However, he also acknowledges that in order to survive, one must adapt to the brutal reality of the concentration camps.

It is important to note that the selfishness exhibited in Night is not a reflection of the characters' true nature, but rather a survival instinct that emerges in response to the extreme circumstances they find themselves in. Elie Wiesel himself grapples with guilt and remorse for the selfish acts he witnesses and commits, highlighting the internal conflict faced by those who must prioritize their own survival.

The Broader Implications

Examining the role of selfishness in survival, as depicted in Night, allows us to understand the complexities of human nature in extreme situations. While it is easy to judge the characters' selfish actions from the comfort of our own lives, it is crucial to recognize that their choices were shaped by the brutal reality they faced. The memoir serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked power and the lengths individuals will go to ensure their own survival.

In conclusion, survival in Night by Elie Wiesel often requires a certain level of selfishness. The memoir portrays the moral dilemma faced by individuals in the Holocaust, as they grapple with the need to prioritize their own survival in an environment that devalues human life. While the selfish actions depicted in the text may be unsettling, they serve as a testament to the extreme circumstances and dehumanizing conditions of the concentration camps. By exploring the theme of survival and selfishness in Night, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature in times of adversity.