The Holocaust was one of the biggest tragedies and most significant dehumanizing events in human history. In “Night” by Elie Wiesel, the theme of dehumanization is quite prevalent. Dehumanization was a focal point in Elie’s struggle in the concentration camps. This theme is central in understanding how Hitler achieved his ends as it allowed him to justify the horrific treatment of the Jews. Through the events depicted in the book, it is clear that dehumanization happened in various ways, including the treatment of Jews as mere commodities or creatures, the violation and mistreatment of their bodies, and the methods of stripping away their humanity. One way in which Jews were dehumanized was through their treatment as animals. This treatment is evident in how Wiesel is transported to Auschwitz, as Wiesel notes, “We were no longer men. We were animals. And what happened to us animals, I cannot say.” (60). This quote demonstrates the complete lack of humanity on the part of the Nazis, as they saw the Jews as nothing more than cargo to be transported and disposed of as they saw fit. Furthermore, as a German officer exclaimed, “Faster you tramps, you flea-ridden dogs!” (85). This exclamation …show more content…
This is clear in how they were forced to give up names and go by numbers instead. Wiesel notes that “From then on, we were nothing more than a number” (57). This illustrates how the prisoners were reduced to nothing more than a numerical value, with their ideas and individuality stripped away. As the harsh conditions pounded on Wiesel, he exclaims, “I was nothing but a body. Perhaps even less: a famished stomach. The stomach alone was measuring time.” (52). Wiesel’s exclamation expands on the idea that they were dehumanized not only by the Nazis but also by themselves. With Jews being stripped down to nothing more of value than an object, this is another way in which Hitler achieved his