Themes: Human Cruelty
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.
Expert Q&A
In chapter 7 of Night, what does the tragic incident between a father and son on the train reveal about humanity?
The tragic incident between a father and son on the train in chapter 7 of "Night" reveals the extreme depths of inhumanity humans can sink to when driven by desperation and survival. The horrifying scene where a son kills his father over a piece of bread exposes the fragility of human nature and the breakdown of familial bonds under extreme hunger and deprivation. It underscores the grim reality of survival instincts overpowering human relationships and social norms.
Describe the selection scene from Elie Wiesel's Night.
The selection scene in Elie Wiesel's Night involves a harrowing process where SS doctors determine which prisoners are healthy enough to work and which are to be sent to their deaths. Prisoners are instructed to undress and run past Dr. Mengele, who notes down numbers of those deemed unfit. Elie and his father manage to pass without being selected, though many others are not as fortunate.
In Night by Elie Wiesel, how do concentration camp prisoners treat each other?
In Night by Elie Wiesel, the treatment among concentration camp prisoners varies, reflecting both humanity and brutality under extreme conditions. Some prisoners demonstrate compassion, as seen when a French girl risks her safety to comfort and encourage Elie. However, the harsh environment also leads to inhumane behaviors; prisoners are depicted beating one another and abandoning family members in desperate attempts for survival. These contrasting interactions highlight the complex human behaviors elicited by the dire circumstances of the camps.
Describe an episode of Idek's madness in chapter 4 of Night.
In Chapter 4, Idek, a Kapo in the concentration camp, displays irrational and violent behavior. One episode of his madness involves him savagely beating Eliezer without provocation. Idek's fits of rage are unpredictable, and he later targets Eliezer's father. Idek's madness culminates when he publicly whips Eliezer after being caught with a female prisoner. These incidents illustrate the abuse of power and the pervasive insanity within the camps.
What does Elie Wiesel mean by "The ghetto was ruled by neither German nor Jew, it was ruled by delusion"?
Elie Wiesel's statement, "The ghetto was ruled by neither German nor Jew, it was ruled by delusion" refers to the misguided beliefs held by both Jews and Germans during the Holocaust. Jews in the ghetto clung to the delusion that their situation would improve and they were in control, viewing their separation from the Germans as a positive change. The Germans, influenced by Hitler's propaganda, believed in their superiority and justified their treatment of Jews. Thus, these delusions, rather than the Germans or Jews themselves, dictated the rule in the ghetto.
What are Wiesel's feelings towards the Hungarian police in Night?
In "Night," Elie Wiesel expresses strong hatred toward the Hungarian police, viewing them as the first oppressors and faces of evil. They are responsible for gathering the Jews and brutally forcing them into lines and railcars. Wiesel's negative feelings stem from witnessing their harsh treatment and their role in initiating the Jews' deportation. This marks the beginning of his experiences with cruelty and inhumanity during the Holocaust.
How does the Auschwitz inscription, "Work makes you free," reflect the deceit and irony of Nazi camps?
The Auschwitz inscription "Work makes you free" reflects the deceit and irony of Nazi camps by falsely suggesting that hard work could lead to freedom. In reality, no amount of labor could save prisoners from death by exhaustion, murder, or malnutrition. This slogan was a cruel tool of Nazi propaganda, designed to manipulate prisoners into working harder without any chance of liberation.
How does the hanging of the "angelic Pipel" symbolize the loss of faith in Night?
The hanging of the "angelic Pipel" in Night symbolizes the loss of faith through the slow, agonizing death of an innocent child, which represents the final death of innocence in the camp. Eliezer's faith wavers as he questions how God could allow such cruelty and barbarity. This moment encapsulates the disillusionment and abandonment of faith experienced by many Jews during the Holocaust.
In Elie Wiesel's Night, why are prisoners forced to look at hanged men before dinner?
In Night, prisoners are forced to look at hanged men before dinner to serve as a warning and example, ensuring compliance with rules and preventing rebellion. This act also tortures prisoners psychologically, reinforcing the Nazi agenda. The grim spectacle etches the event in their memory, highlighted by Eliezer's contrasting experiences of the soup tasting better or of corpses after such viewings.
What significance do the following quotes from chapter 9 of Night hold in terms of character development, irony, theme, or imagery?
"We were masters of nature, masters of the world. We had forgotten everything—death, fatigue, our natural needs. Stronger than cold or hunger, stronger than the shots and the desire to die, condemned and wandering, mere numbers, we were the only men on earth" and "After my father's death, nothing could touch me any more."
The first quote reflects the theme of dehumanization and transcendence, as prisoners, enduring extreme suffering, feel god-like, detached from basic human needs, and focused solely on survival in a godless world. The second quote highlights the theme of desensitization, showing Elie's emotional numbness following his father's death. This illustrates the brutal impact of the Holocaust, stripping victims of their humanity and emotional capacity, reducing them to mere survival instincts.
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