Themes: 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.

Expert Q&A

In Night, why did the inmate advise Elie and his father to lie about their ages?

In "Night," the inmate advised Elie and his father to lie about their ages to avoid being targeted for immediate extermination during the Nazi "selection" process. This process aimed to eliminate those deemed unfit for labor, such as the very young or old. By lying, Elie and his father could appear more useful for work, thus increasing their chances of survival. This advice marks the beginning of Elie's struggle between his religious values and the need for self-preservation.

How do trust and friendship examples in Night by Elie Wiesel influence survival?

In "Night," trust and friendship are scarce due to the harsh conditions of the Holocaust, which foster distrust and discourage friendships. Early examples of loyalty include Marta, the Wiesels' maid, who offers them refuge, and the Hungarian police inspector who warns Elie's father. However, survival instincts soon overshadow these bonds. Family ties, like those between Elie and his father, initially provide support but eventually weaken. Occasional acts of kindness, such as Alphonse's aid and Juliek's music, highlight fleeting moments of camaraderie.

How do self-preservation and perseverance function as themes in Night by Elie Wiesel?

In Night by Elie Wiesel, self-preservation and perseverance are central themes. Prisoners engage in bartering, lying about their age, and even turning against each other to survive. Some find strength through faith, while others rebel or become numb. Wiesel emphasizes perseverance not only for survival but also as a duty to bear witness to the atrocities, ensuring future generations remember the Holocaust.

Why does the prisoner advise Elie to claim he's eighteen, not fifteen?

The prisoner advises Elie to claim he is eighteen instead of fifteen to be considered an adult and stay with his father. This advice helps Elie avoid being separated from his father and likely saves his life, as the SS officers separate adults from children, with children often facing immediate death. The prisoner, with a "weary and warm" voice, shows a desire to help Elie and his father in the dire circumstances they face.

In the camps, how well does Wiesel succeed in staying alive and remaining human?

Wiesel succeeds in staying alive in the camps, as evidenced by his survival at the narrative's end. However, remaining human is more complex, as the definition of humanity evolves throughout his experience. He loses typical human connections like community, family ties, and faith, not by choice but due to circumstances beyond his control. By the end, his inability to recognize himself in the mirror symbolizes the loss of his humanity.

Does Night by Elie Wiesel suggest that the survival instinct is the strongest force in people?

Elie Wiesel writes Night to demonstrate the will to survive as a human instinct. It is one of the strongest but most destructive forces within humanity. Survival becomes an individual’s first priority, and it affects their ability to think for themselves. Wiesel shows that without a strong will to survive, the individual will not be able to maintain sanity or morality. They lose their sense of self, and they will do anything necessary for survival, even if it means giving up what is right or wrong. The reader sees that in situations where life expectancy is less than six months, death becomes as much a part of life as living itself. Life becomes a constant struggle for self-preservation.

In Night, is innocence possible after the Holocaust, or is it an impediment to survival?

Innocence is not possible after the Holocaust, as depicted in "Night." Elie's innocence is shattered upon witnessing atrocities, such as infants being incinerated, which erodes his faith in a benevolent God. Survivors like Elie had to abandon naiveté and embrace resilience and cunning to endure the camps. Innocence, defined as simplicity or lack of knowledge, became a liability, as survival depended on understanding the brutal realities of camp life, rendering innocence a handicap.

The use of eyes to indicate will to live and characterize people in the camps in Night

In Night, Elie Wiesel uses eyes to signify the will to live and to characterize people in the concentration camps. Eyes reflect the inner strength or despair of individuals, revealing their resilience, hope, or surrender. The changing expressions in prisoners' eyes provide a poignant insight into their psychological states and the impact of the horrors they endure.

How do the plot and the theme of survival overlap in this World War II story?

The plot and theme of survival in this World War II story overlap by showcasing the personal journey through the horrors of the Holocaust. Eliezer's struggle for survival highlights the importance of empathy and resistance against Nazi cruelty. The narrative intertwines political and personal cruelty, emphasizing death caused by dehumanization and violence. These elements demonstrate how survival amidst such brutality requires recognizing and confronting both political and personal forms of cruelty, ultimately reflecting the broader human experience of pain and resilience.

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