Human vs Nonhuman In Elie Wiesel’s memoir “Night,” the theme of what it means to be human is explored in a powerful and thought-provoking way. Throughout the book, the reader is confronted with the harsh realities of the Holocaust and the inhumanity that humans are capable of. As a high school student, reading this book allowed me to reflect on what it truly means to be human in the face of such extreme circumstances. One of the key aspects of being human that is highlighted in “Night” is the capacity for both good and evil. Wiesel’s account of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the depths of depravity that humans are capable of. However, amidst the horror and cruelty, there are also moments of kindness and compassion shown by individuals who refuse to …show more content…
As Elie and his fellow prisoners endure unimaginable suffering and hardship, they are forced to confront their own capacity for empathy and compassion. The dehumanization of the prisoners by their captors serves as a powerful indictment of the ways in which humans can lose their sense of empathy and compassion in the pursuit of power and control. Yet, even in the most dire circumstances, Elie finds moments of connection and solidarity with his fellow prisoners, reminding us of the importance of maintaining our humanity in the face of adversity. Another aspect of being human that is explored in “Night” is the struggle for survival. As Elie and his father fight to survive in the face of starvation, exhaustion and brutality, they are forced to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human life. The will to survive becomes a driving force for both characters, leading them to make difficult choices and sacrifices in order to survive. This struggle for survival forces the reader to consider the lengths to which humans will go in order to preserve their own lives and the lives of their loved