Analysis Of Night By Elie Wiesel

Over 70 years ago, one of the most appalling occurrences in history arose, the holocaust. The holocaust was the mass murdering of many Jews, gypsies, Slavs, and dissenters during World War II. In elaboration, the genocide was implemented by former German dictator Adolf Hitler, who devised a plan in order to create a superior race and boost nationalism in his country. While his intentions seemed to have been a potential solution to revitalize the German nation, they emerged an infamy instead, resulting in the deaths of approximately six million Jews. Through his memoir, Night, Elie Wiesel depicts the horrors of the holocaust. Youthful, innocent, weak, and dead are four characteristics which seem so drastic in difference, but may not be known

The author continues to display multiple symbolism, however the interpretation behind his words grow more explicit. Moreover, he discovers himself entangled in situations from being separated from his family to sacrificing his personal belongings. In the midst of adjusting to the harsh circumstances of the concentration camp, Wiesel states, “The three "veteran" prisoners, needles in hand, tattooed numbers on our left arms. I became A-7713. From then on, I had no other name.” (42) The phrase ‘A-7713’ symbolizes Wiesel’s loss of personal identity is demonstrated continuously where he mentions, “One day, when we had just returned from the warehouse, I was summoned by the block secretary: "A-7713?" "That's me." (57) Moreover, he is never referred to as Elie again by anyone except for his father and other acquaintances, ensuring that he has become submissive towards the soldiers of the camp. Accordingly, the symbolism and perception behind Wiesel’s number is significant to his change in persona, as he develops

One of the most important elements in this drastic point of time for Eli is silence. In general, silence symbolizes Eli’s fear and inability to respond, which allows it to determine his actions in his prospective. For example, Wiesel wrote, “One day when Idek was venting his fury, I happened to cross his path. He threw himself on me like a wild beast, beating me in the chest, on my head, throwing me to the ground and picking me up again, crushing me with ever more violent blows, until I was covered in blood. As I bit my lips in order not to howl with pain, he must have mistaken my silence for defiance and so he continued to hit me harder and harder.” In essence, while Eli experiences his first barbaric ‘punishment’, he is unable to speak, resulting in silence and allowing his character’s persona to become conscious and frightened for his own survival. Silence rises fear, which expands the need to become selfish. Furthermore, becoming selfish results in Wiesel sacrificing his father, the most important figure in his life. The significance of silence in Eli’s persona is further justified when he mentions, "Father," I said, "just another moment. Soon, we'll be able to lie down. You'll be able to rest...” He didn't answer. I