The Significance of Night in "Night" by Elie Wiesel

In Elie Wiesel's memoir, "Night," the word "night" is used several times throughout the text, each instance carrying its own significance. While the literal interpretation of night refers to the darkness that Elie and his fellow prisoners experience during their time in concentration camps, it also symbolizes the deeper themes of death, despair, and the loss of humanity. This essay will explore the multifaceted meaning of night in Wiesel's work and its profound impact on the narrative.

The Darkness of Night

The recurring motif of night in "Night" serves as a powerful symbol of the physical and emotional darkness that enveloped Elie and his fellow prisoners in the concentration camps. Nighttime, when the sun sets and darkness prevails, is traditionally associated with fear, uncertainty, and evil. Similarly, the darkness in the concentration camps represents the horrors and atrocities committed by the Nazis. Wiesel vividly describes the oppressive darkness of the night in the following passage:

"Never shall I forget that night...the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky. Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust."

This passage highlights the profound impact of the night on Elie's life, as he witnesses the unimaginable horrors and loses his faith in God and humanity. The darkness of night represents the loss of hope and the descent into despair, as Elie and his fellow prisoners are subjected to inhumane conditions and witness the mass extermination of their fellow Jews.

The Death and Despair of Night

Not only does night symbolize the physical darkness in the camps, but it also signifies the death and despair that Elie witnesses and experiences firsthand. Nighttime becomes synonymous with death and the absence of life. In the concentration camps, death is an ever-present reality, as Elie witnesses the deaths of his father, friends, and countless others. The following quote illustrates the association between night and death:

"One day I was able to get up, after gathering all my strength. I wanted to see myself in the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. I had not seen myself since the ghetto. From the depths of the mirror, a corpse was contemplating me. The look in his eyes as he gazed at me has never left me."

The mirror scene symbolizes the loss of identity and humanity that Elie experiences during his time in the camps. Night serves as a constant reminder of the death and destruction that surround him, further emphasizing the despair and hopelessness of the situation.

The Loss of Humanity

Lastly, night also represents the loss of humanity in "Night." As Elie and his fellow prisoners endure the atrocities of the concentration camps, they are stripped of their basic human rights and treated as less than human. The darkness of night becomes a metaphor for the moral darkness that descends upon the camp, as acts of cruelty and dehumanization become the norm. In one instance, Elie reflects on the loss of humanity he witnesses:

"The night was long and never-ending. Among the dead, the living struggled to survive. The living envied the dead for their escape from the horrors of the camp. We were no longer human beings; we were only bodies, struggling to hold on to life."

This passage exemplifies how night represents the dehumanization of the prisoners, as they are reduced to mere bodies fighting for survival. The loss of humanity is further emphasized by the cruel and inhumane treatment they endure, such as the selection process and the harsh living conditions.

Conclusion

In "Night" by Elie Wiesel, the significance of the word "night" extends beyond its literal meaning. It serves as a symbol of the darkness, death, despair, and loss of humanity that Elie and his fellow prisoners experience in the concentration camps. Through the use of vivid descriptions and powerful imagery, Wiesel effectively conveys the profound impact of night on the narrative. By exploring the multifaceted meanings of night, readers gain a deeper understanding of the horrors endured during the Holocaust. This memoir serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed, ensuring that the memory of the Holocaust and its victims lives on.

Bibliography

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