Introduction
In Elie Wiesel’s harrowing memoir “Night,” the protagonist, Eliezer, grapples with a profound internal struggle involving his faith in God during his time in the concentration camps. While Eliezer claims to have lost his faith, his actions in the face of unimaginable adversity suggest a more complex relationship with his spirituality.
This essay will explore the intricate dynamics of Eliezer’s faith and argue that, paradoxically, it played a crucial role in his survival. Eliezer’s declared loss of faith in “Night” belies a paradoxical truth—his enduring spirituality becomes a cornerstone of strength. In the face of relentless horrors, his connection to faith emerges as a guiding force crucial to his survival and resilience.
Role of Faith in Survival
The book’s opening scenes depict Eliezer as a profoundly religious young boy devoted to his studies of Jewish mysticism. His faith in God is unshakable, and he seeks to understand the mysteries of existence through his religious pursuits. “I was almost thirteen and deeply observant. By day I studied Talmud and by night I would run to the synagogue to weep over the destruction of the Temple” (Wiesel, 2006, p. 2). Eliezer recounts, underscoring the strength of his faith before the horrors of the Holocaust. However, the atrocities he witnesses and endures in the concentration camps challenge the very foundations of his belief. Despite declaring that he has lost faith, Eliezer’s actions often reflect a subconscious reliance on a higher power for strength and guidance.
This can be seen in the novel when Elie exclaims: “My God, Lord of the Universe, give me strength never to do what Rabbi Eliahu’s son has done” (Wiesel, 2006, p. 91). Throughout these moments, his enduring belief in a higher power serves as a psychological anchor. It offered solace and strength in the face of unspeakable horrors, showcasing the profound role that faith plays in navigating the dire challenges of the Holocaust. Additionally, his acts of defiance, like retaining his prayer shawl, signify an unyielding connection to his faith, becoming a source of resilience that aids him in enduring the unimaginable challenges of the Holocaust. In essence, Eliezer’s journey reflects the profound impact of faith, not just as a passive belief but as an active force contributing to his survival. In the depths of despair, Eliezer’s unwavering faith not only becomes a guiding light through darkness but also a testament to human resilience.
Eliezer’s physical and emotional survival is intricately tied to his internal dialogue about faith. He often turns to God for strength in moments of despair and near hopelessness. “I turned that act into a symbol of rebellion, of protest against Him. And I nibbled on my crust of bread. Deep inside me, I felt a great void opening” (Wiesel, 2006, p. 69). This contradictory statement encapsulates the paradox of his relationship with God—simultaneously resenting and seeking solace from a higher power. This internal conflict sustains Eliezer, providing him with a sense of purpose and resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.
The power of faith becomes most evident when Eliezer is liberated from the concentration camp. The immediate aftermath of his liberation is marked by a profound emptiness and a struggle to find meaning in an irrevocably altered world. In reflection, Eliezer acknowledges, “The student of Talmud, the child I was, had been consumed by the flames. All that was left was a shape that resembled me.” Even after a significant transformation, traces of his faith persist, highlighting its lasting impact on his sense of self.
Conclusion
In summary, Eliezer’s wrestle with faith in “Night” intricately examines the intricacies of belief amidst overwhelming suffering. Despite his explicit assertion of faith loss, his behaviors and internal reflections unveil a more intricate link to spirituality. The contradictory essence of Eliezer’s tie to God acts as a wellspring of resilience, furnishing him with the fortitude to withstand the terrors within the concentration camps.
Eliezer’s struggle with faith shows that belief, despite challenges, helped him survive and stay strong in concentration camps. In examining Eliezer’s journey, it becomes clear that faith, in its various forms, played a pivotal role in shaping both his survival and the profound impact of his lived experience. During challenging moments, faith, despite being examined, continues as a crucial factor in human strength, emphasizing its enduring importance.
Reference
Wiesel, E. (2006). Night. Penguin UK.