Examples Of Individualism In Night By Elie Wiesel

Indian social reformer B.R. Ambedkar once said of individuality: “Unlike a drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, man does not lose his being in the society in which he lives. Man's life is independent. He is born not for the development of the society alone, but for the development of his self.” Furthermore, Webster’s dictionary defines it as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” In Night by Elie Wiesel, it seems that both the author and his fellow Semites’ sense of selves are virtually erased by Hitler and the Nazi Party. In an attempt to make the Jews lose all faith in themselves, the Anti-Semites regard the protagonist as an “ordinary object,” thus abandoning his honorable Hebrew name for “A-7713,” a mere code that Elie would be known as throughout his formidable journey. Despite the hostile treatment, Wiesel’s individuality

The plot details within the novel constantly challenge the author’s identity. This is initially conveyed when Wiesel and the Semites are forced to wear yellow stars: “Three days later, a new decree: every Jew had to wear the yellow star” (11). Elie’s father attempts to diffuse the severity of the situation by saying, “The yellow star? So what? It’s not lethal…” (11). It was not just the yellow star that contributes to the Semites’ diminishment of sense of selves. After a few days, new edicts are issued. These laws restrict the Jews from going to restaurants or cafes, travelling by rail, attending the synagogue, or being on the street after 6 PM. With the progression of the plotline, Wiesel feels the most loss of his individuality when the Schutzstaffel gives him a code in place of his