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Essay / Examples of Change in "Night" by Elie Wiesel
Table of ContentsBeliefs and FaithRelationshipsSense of IdentityConclusionChange is an inevitable part of life and it often shapes individuals in profound ways. Elie Wiesel's memoir, “Night,” provides a poignant 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 the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. This essay will explore several instances where Elijah undergoes significant changes, examining the effects of these transformations on his beliefs, relationships, and sense of identity. By analyzing these examples, we can better understand how the extreme circumstances of the Holocaust impacted Elijah and shaped his character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Beliefs and Faith One of the most significant changes that occurs in Elijah throughout “The Night” is his transformation in his beliefs and faith. At the beginning of the memoir, Elijah is deeply pious and has a strong faith in God. He seeks solace and guidance through his religious practices, finding solace in the teachings of his rabbi and the traditions of his community. However, the atrocities he witnesses in the concentration camps challenge his faith. An example of this change can be seen when Elijah witnesses the hanging of a young boy at Auschwitz. This event deeply shakes Elijah, making him question the existence of a just and merciful God. He wonders how a benevolent deity could allow such suffering and cruelty to occur. Elijah's inner struggle is evident when he says: “For the first time, I felt rebellion rising within me. Why should I bless his name? The Eternal, Lord of the Universe, the Almighty and the Terrible, was silent. I must thank him?" (Wiesel, p. 33). This example shows a profound change in Elijah's beliefs. The trauma and dehumanization he experiences leads 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 belief not only changes Elijah's relationship with God, but also affects his overall outlook on life and. of 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, counting l. 'on each other for their support and comfort However, the harsh conditions of the concentration camps strain their relationship and force Elie to question his loyalty to his father. Elie's father falls ill and becomes weak. Elie is torn between his responsibility to care for his father and his own instinct for survival. He struggles with feelings of guilt and resents his father for being a burden. Elie reflects on this inner conflict by stating: “I didn't cry, and it hurt me not to be able to cry. But I had no more tears. And, in the depths of my being, in the recesses of my weakened consciousness, I could have searched, perhaps I would have finally found something as free! " (Wiesel, p. 112). This example highlights highlights the strain the Holocaust places on family relationships. Elijah's transformation from a devoted son to someone who questions his own compassion and humanity demonstrates the profound impact of the concentration camps..