Eliezer, the main character of Night, is faced with a massive external conflict of being imprisoned in a concentration camp, and the situation is aggravated by his internal conflicts regarding his relationship with religion.
Religion is a main part of Eliezer's identity. Thus, his loss in religious faith is critical to his character development. Throughout the novel it becomes obvious that his faith in God shifts many times. At the beginning, Eliezer goes to the synagogue almost every day. He is much more involved in religion than the rest of his family. When his father asks “why do you pray?” Eliezer’s response is shocked at first, as if it was a ridiculous question to ask. To him, religion and prayer is so innate and important that it’s simply second nature. His decline in religious faith is a direct consequence of the inhumane circumstances of concentration camps. Additionally, Eliezer is passionate about advancing his studies of Kabbalah. Moishe the Beadle is the first character introduced into the story and is one of
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They both also had trouble coming to terms with the fact that they held no power against their external circumstances. Winston is oppressed by the governmental structures of Oceania, and Eliezer struggles with loyalty concerning his Jewish faith and following orders in the concentration camps. Winston dislikes the uniformity and silence that is forced upon him in Oceania. Similar to Eliezer, the consequence that follows rebellion in 1984 is most likely death. The story of 1984 follows Winston’s decision to act against society, but ultimately to fail and return to oppression. Unlike Winston however, Eliezer does not outrightly rebel against his captors. He instead commits minor acts of nonconformity against God. His anger towards God is a manifestation of the anger and lack of power he feels towards the