Night Themes

The main themes in Night are death, God and religion, and sanity and insanity.

  • Death: The death camps represent a perversion of the social, cultural, and religious significance of death. Rather than treating death with dignity and allowing proper time for mourning, the death camps force people to focus solely on their own survival.
  • God and Religion: Night tells the story of Elie’s changing relationship with God and religion as he struggles to make sense of the horror of the Holocaust.
  • Sanity and insanity: Madame Schacter and Idek the Kapo serve as examples of the madness of the Holocaust.

Human Cruelty

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Simply because of his faith and ancestry, Eliezer is forced to endure unfathomable suffering. He finds himself isolated from the eyes of the world and without any real hope that humanity will rise up and come to his aid. While imprisoned, he witnesses the murder of those who dare to cross the Nazi regime; recounting one particularly haunting memory, he describes the agonizing death of a young child who slowly suffocates while Eliezer and the other prisoners are forced to watch. 

Eliezer and his father are stripped of their humanity, forced to endure physical inspections while naked, and constantly uncertain if they will be able to prove themselves worthy of the forced labor camps. From the moment they arrive in the camps, the smell of burning flesh rising from the nearby crematoriums is a tangible, omnipresent threat. Watching the smoke as it twines through the camp, they are constantly reminded of the precariousness of their position, an ever-present fear that the Nazis use to further torment those imprisoned. 

Throughout the narrative, human life is routinely extinguished because of ability, gender, age, and for purposes of “medical” experimentation. Those who are imprisoned die from disease, starvation, a bitterly cold environment, hopelessness, and extreme mistreatment. Throughout the narrative, Eliezer describes the abject depths of human suffering, yet throughout it all, the SS guards who keep them imprisoned remain indifferent to the widespread anguish they so readily facilitate.

The Strength of Family

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After he is separated from his mother and sisters, Eliezer commits himself to being a dependable and steadfast son to his father. The two work together, sharing their meager food rations when one of them is particularly weak and finding ways to remain together when so many families are separated. When Eliezer witnesses other sons abandoning their fathers to improve their own circumstances, he becomes resolute in his desire to remain faithful. He fervently prays for God to give him the strength to never do what those sons have done. 

During one excruciatingly difficult march, Eliezer wants to give up and just “slide to the side of the road” where he can die; when he looks at his exhausted father forging resolutely on, Eliezer finds the determination to continue marching, believing that he has “no right to let himself die” and leave his already-weak father alone. When his father feels that he simply “can’t go on” because he is getting too weak, Eliezer remains by his father’s side, trying to navigate his medical care as best as possible with limited resources. 

Unable to locate medical treatment, Eliezer attempts to relieve his father’s extreme thirst by locating water; he is tormented by his father’s desperation for relief, which conflicts with the medical reality that water will only create further physical discomfort. Together, Eliezer and his father face unfathomable challenges and endure relentless abuse; however, the bond they share and their commitment to helping each other survive bring glimpses of humanity and tenderness into their bleak existence. Their devotion to each other offers a sense of hope and encourages them in their efforts to survive multiple rounds of selection, abuse, and mental anguish.

Faith and Doubt

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When Eliezer is thirteen, he is committed to his faith, studying the Talmud during the day and crying at the synagogue each night. He locates a mentor to guide him through what he believes, based on his limited life experience, to be some of the more challenging questions of Judaism. When Moishe the Beadle asks young Eliezer why he prays, Eliezer considers it a “strange question” because he’s never really considered it before. Because of the cruelty and inhumanity he experiences while imprisoned, Eliezer begins to question the God he has always believed in. 

As he witnesses his fellow prisoners turned into smoke “under a silent sky,” he believes that those same flames have “consumed his faith forever.” After witnessing the execution of a young child, Eliezer’s faith is again shaken as he reflects that God must also be “hanging…from [the] gallows.” On Yom Kippur, Eliezer chooses not to fast, as tradition would indicate, because he refuses to accept the “silence” from a God who would allow such suffering. Even Akiba Drumer, who attempts to encourage the prisoners to be steadfast in their faith, eventually proclaims that “it’s over” because “God is no longer with [them].” 

The horrors Eliezer witnesses and endures while imprisoned force him to examine the foundation of his beliefs. Instead of finding comfort in faith, Eliezer is angered by the apparent absence of God within the concentration camps. Because he develops such anger toward God during his imprisonment, there is a sense that young Eliezer has not completely lost faith that God exists but is instead questioning the nature of the God he has always believed in.

Survival

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The theme of survival is central to Night by Elie Wiesel, depicting the harrowing experiences of Holocaust victims. The narrative explores how the instinct to survive can overshadow all other human concerns, including morality, faith, and relationships. Wiesel's account reveals the dehumanizing conditions of the concentration camps, where survival becomes the primary focus of the prisoners' existence.

One of the most poignant illustrations of survival is seen in the prisoners' relationship with food. The soup, a symbol of sustenance, becomes a marker of survival. After witnessing a hanging, Eliezer notes that the soup "tasted better than ever," indicating that the mere act of eating and staying alive takes precedence over the moral implications of the events around him. The dehumanization is evident as the prisoners become desensitized to death, focusing solely on their own survival. However, the hanging of a child profoundly affects Eliezer, making the soup taste of "corpses," highlighting the struggle between survival and the loss of humanity.

The narrative also aligns with Maslow's "Hierarchy of Needs," where basic needs for food, shelter, and safety become paramount. Eliezer's initial interest in his Jewish faith and spiritual aspirations is overshadowed by the need to survive. This shift illustrates how the extreme conditions of the Holocaust strip away higher-level concerns, reducing life to mere survival instincts. The brutal environment forces individuals to prioritize their own survival over relationships and spiritual beliefs.

Eliezer's relationship with his father further underscores the theme of survival. As his father becomes weaker, Eliezer grapples with the burden of caring for him. The phrase "free at last" reflects the complex emotions Eliezer experiences upon his father's death, feeling both grief and relief from the responsibility. This reaction is not selfish but a testament to the overwhelming pressure to survive in the camps, where resources are scarce, and caring for others becomes an impossible task.

Trust and friendship are rare in the camps, as survival instincts often override these bonds. Initially, there are moments of loyalty and friendship, such as the maid Marta's offer to help the Wiesels escape. However, as the narrative progresses, the harsh realities of camp life erode these connections. Eliezer's growing detachment from his father and the lack of solidarity among prisoners illustrate how survival becomes the sole focus, leaving little room for trust or friendship. Despite this, small acts of kindness, like Alphonse securing extra food and Juliek playing his violin, offer glimpses of humanity amidst the struggle for survival.

Dehumanization

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Dehumanization is a central theme in Night by Elie Wiesel, illustrating the horrific effects of the Holocaust on both victims and perpetrators. The narrative explores how the Nazis systematically stripped away the humanity of the Jewish people, and how this dehumanization extended to the victims themselves, who often turned against each other in their struggle for survival. This theme is vividly depicted through various events and symbols throughout the memoir.

One poignant example of dehumanization is the line "the soup tasted like corpses." After witnessing the execution of a child, Elie and his fellow prisoners find no solace even in basic sustenance. This line symbolizes the pervasive death and suffering that taint every aspect of life in the concentration camps, underscoring the loss of humanity and the struggle to maintain it amidst such horror.

The initial selection process at Birkenau is another significant event that highlights dehumanization. Families are brutally separated, and the randomness of life and death decisions underscores the complete disregard for human dignity. This moment marks the last time Elie sees his mother and sister, and it introduces the infernal state of the Holocaust where dehumanization leads to unimaginable cruelty.

Music in the concentration camps serves as a tool for control and humiliation, further emphasizing dehumanization. Prisoners are forced to sing songs that honor the Third Reich, showcasing the guards' power. This perversion of music strips away personal identity and autonomy, reducing the prisoners to mere instruments of entertainment for their captors.

Madame Schachter's experience on the train foreshadows the dehumanization that permeates the Holocaust. Her son's reaction to her screams—partly out of embarrassment—reflects how victims dehumanize each other. This moment foreshadows Eliezer's own internal conflict and eventual betrayal of his father, illustrating the pervasive impact of dehumanization on personal relationships and moral integrity.

Denial

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In "Night" by Elie Wiesel, the theme of denial is a powerful force that shapes the experiences of the Jewish community in Sighet and reflects a broader human tendency to ignore or underestimate impending danger. This denial manifests in various ways, from ignoring warnings to underestimating the threat posed by the Nazis, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

The Jewish residents of Sighet, including Eliezer's family, initially refuse to believe the rumors of the Holocaust. Despite Moshe the Beadle's firsthand account of Nazi atrocities, the townspeople dismiss his warnings as the ravings of a madman. This disbelief is partly due to their relatively normal lives in Hungary, which had not yet experienced the full force of Nazi antisemitism. The Jews of Sighet cling to the hope that the war will end before Hitler can harm them, demonstrating a denial rooted in a false sense of security.

Denial is further illustrated by the Jews' reaction to the German occupation. When the Germans first arrive in Sighet, they appear non-threatening, even charming. This facade leads the Jewish community to mock those who express concern, as seen in the passage:

Three days after he (the German officer) moved in, he brought Mrs. Kahn a box of chocolates. The optimists were jubilant: "Well? What did we tell you? You wouldn't believe us. There they are, your Germans. What do you say now? Where is their famous cruelty?" Night, Page 10

This initial denial of the Germans' true intentions allows the Jews to maintain a false sense of normalcy, even as the situation deteriorates.

The denial persists even as the Jews are forced into ghettos and eventually deported. Mrs. Schachter's visions of fire during the train journey are dismissed as hallucinations, yet they foreshadow the horrors awaiting them at Auschwitz. It is only upon arrival at the concentration camp, witnessing the burning bodies, that the full reality of their situation becomes undeniable.

Denial also plays a role in the actions of the oppressors. As the prisoners are evacuated, they are ordered to clean the barracks, a small-scale example of the oppressors' denial of their atrocities. By erasing evidence of mistreatment, the Nazis attempt to obscure the truth from the advancing Russian forces, reflecting a broader pattern of denial in the stages of genocide.

Suffering

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The theme of suffering in Night by Elie Wiesel is a profound exploration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain experienced during the Holocaust. Wiesel's narrative captures the relentless torment faced by the victims, highlighting the darkness and horror of their experiences. The suffering is depicted through the harsh realities of life in concentration camps, the loss of family, and the struggle to maintain faith amidst overwhelming despair.

One of the most harrowing depictions of suffering is through the character of Eliezer's father, who suffers from dysentery. The contaminated water in the camps, filled with fecal matter, becomes a source of poison rather than relief. Eliezer is torn between the knowledge that water will worsen his father's condition and the desperate pleas of his dying father. This situation underscores the cruel irony of their suffering, where basic necessities become lethal. Eliezer reflects,

I knew that he must not drink. But he pleaded with me so long that I gave in. Water was the worst poison for him, but what else could I do for him? With or without water, it would be over soon anyway.
This moment captures the helplessness and inevitability of death in the camps.

The use of "night" in the narrative symbolizes the pervasive darkness and terror of the Holocaust. The recurring imagery of night represents the physical and psychological suffering endured by the victims. Mrs. Schachter's vision of fire during the train ride to Auschwitz foreshadows the crematoria, while the darkness outside the train mirrors the unknown horrors ahead. Upon arrival at Birkenau, the flames and the smell of burning flesh confirm the nightmare,

In front of us, those flames. In the air, the smell of burning flesh. It must have been around midnight. We had arrived. In Birkenau.
The continuous "last nights" before each traumatic event further emphasize the endless cycle of suffering.

Wiesel's narrative does not offer simple solutions or rationales for the Holocaust. Instead, it presents the complexity of human evil and the failure of humanity to prevent such suffering. The narrative challenges readers to confront the dissolution of human bonds and the inaction of nations. The moments of "Never Shall I Forget" and the child hanging from the gallows are poignant explorations of human cruelty and suffering. Wiesel's work compels readers to examine their own lives and moral responsibilities, acknowledging that everyone bears a share of the blame for allowing such atrocities to occur.

Holocaust

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In "Night," the Holocaust is a central theme, vividly depicted through Elie Wiesel's personal experiences. The memoir provides a harrowing account of the atrocities faced by Jews during World War II. Wiesel's narrative is not just a recounting of events but a profound exploration of the loss of faith, the struggle for survival, and the depths of human cruelty. Through his story, Wiesel emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust to prevent such horrors from happening again.

Wiesel uses biblical allusions to draw parallels between historical Jewish suffering and the Holocaust. He references the Jewish exile in Babylon and the destruction of the Jewish temple by the Romans, highlighting the recurring theme of Jewish persecution. For instance, Wiesel writes, "Saturday, the day of rest, was the day chosen for our expulsion," echoing the Jewish exile in Babylon. Such allusions serve to connect the Holocaust to a broader history of Jewish suffering, underscoring its significance.

The memoir also explores the theme of a world transformed by the Holocaust. Wiesel introduces Moshe the Beadle, who warns of the "world of mysticism, [is] a world fraught with peril." This foreshadows the danger and destruction that the Holocaust brings, pulling Elie from his spiritual pursuits into a world of violence and hate. The Holocaust shatters the world Elie once knew, replacing it with a reality where survival becomes the primary concern.

The title "Night" itself symbolizes the darkness and loss of faith experienced during the Holocaust. As Elie witnesses unimaginable horrors and loses his family, he grapples with his belief in a merciful God. The pervasive evil he encounters leads him to question his faith, reflecting a broader existential crisis faced by many Holocaust survivors. This loss of faith is a crucial aspect of the Holocaust's impact, as it represents the profound spiritual and emotional toll on those who lived through it.

Wiesel's firsthand account makes "Night" a powerful tool for understanding the Holocaust. His graphic descriptions and emotional depth allow readers to experience the horror alongside him. By sharing his story, Wiesel ensures that the memories of the Holocaust remain vivid, serving as a warning against the dangers of hatred and intolerance. The memoir's effectiveness lies in its ability to humanize the victims and convey the lasting impact of the Holocaust on individuals and the world.

Hope

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In Elie Wiesel's Night, hope emerges as a persistent theme amidst the backdrop of despair and suffering. Despite the brutal conditions and the constant threat of death, moments of hope flicker throughout the narrative, offering a glimpse of humanity and the will to survive. Wiesel's portrayal of hope is complex, showing how it can sustain life even in the darkest times.

Hope is often intertwined with acts of kindness and camaraderie among the prisoners. In chapter three, a Polish prisoner advises the inmates to maintain their faith and support each other, emphasizing that losing hope leads to death. This advice highlights the importance of mutual support and the belief that hope can be a lifeline in the harsh conditions of the concentration camp. Similarly, Elie lies to his relative Stein about the wellbeing of Stein's family, offering him a glimmer of hope to sustain his will to live.

Despite the overwhelming despair, Elie finds hope in small, unexpected places. During the forced march from Buna to Gleiwitz, Elie contemplates giving up but remembers his father, which reignites his determination to survive. This familial bond becomes a source of hope, driving Elie to persevere. Additionally, the poignant story of Juliek playing his violin amidst the dying men serves as a powerful symbol of hope and the enduring spirit of humanity.

Hope is not only a personal struggle for Elie but also a collective experience among the prisoners. When the Russians are near, the prisoners are filled with hope that the war will soon end and they will be liberated. This shared hope momentarily lifts the prisoners' spirits, showing how hope can unite and strengthen people even in dire circumstances.

Wiesel's narrative demonstrates that hope, though fragile, is a vital force that can sustain life. Whether through acts of kindness, familial bonds, or the anticipation of liberation, hope persists in Night, offering a counterbalance to the pervasive despair and illustrating the resilience of the human spirit.

Expert Q&A

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