The last sentence in the book "Night" by Elie Wiesel refers to the loss of faith and humanity that the protagonist, Eliezer, experiences throughout his time in the Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. The sentence, "Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever," speaks to the profound impact that the atrocities he witnessed had on his beliefs and worldview.
In the novel, Eliezer begins as a deeply religious Jewish boy who feels a strong connection to his faith. However, as he witnesses the cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners at the hands of the Nazis, he begins to question his belief in a just and merciful God. He witnesses countless acts of violence and degradation, including the brutal murder of innocent men, women, and children. The experience of being in the camps, and the trauma that he witnesses, shatters his faith in a higher power and leaves him feeling permanently scarred.
The image of the flames in the final sentence is symbolic of the destruction of Eliezer's faith. The flames symbolize the intense heat and destruction that he experiences both physically and emotionally. The line, "Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever," represents a turning point in Eliezer's life and shows how deeply the events of the Holocaust impacted him. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust so that such atrocities are never repeated.
In conclusion, the last sentence in "Night" speaks to the powerful impact of the Holocaust on Eliezer's life and beliefs. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for cruelty and the devastating impact that it can have on individuals and communities.