Lingat 1

Ronald Cecil G. Lingat

Mr. Van Velzer
Beginning Composition
15 April 2013
Humanitys Strength
Night is a graphic recollection of holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesels, horrendous
experiences as he is subjected to Nazi cruelties. The underlying message that Elie Wiesel
attempts to portray to his readers through his novel relates to the idea that within humanity and
human nature lies great strength. Night is composed of detailed literary elements and various
emotional, sensual passages in order to deliver Eliezer Wiesels story of horrid, excruciating
existence in the Auschwitz death camp during the events of the holocaust.
Night conveys how the sense of morality and humanity; the ideals that dictate people to
do the right thing and help those around you-a significant part of each individual-is extremely
resilient. During their first few moments after their transfer from Birkenau to Auschwitz, Eliezer
and those who accompany him are taken to their new blocks. Before entering, the man in charge
of the block, a young Pole, first empowers them through his moving words, stating, Ahead of
you lies a long road paved with suffering. Dont lose hope. You have already eluded the worst
danger. Therefore, muster your strength and keep your faith. We shall all see the day of
liberation. Have faith in life, a thousand times faith (41) Through this small, yet significant
excerpt, Wiesel conveys just how strong humanity and morality within people can be. He shows
how no matter the situation or event, there will always be those who do the right thing for others.
Despite the terrible situations those in death camps had to endure, Wiesel also bore witness to

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one of the most significant moral highs of history. Through the Jews and the others who were
held with them, who supported those around them, one of the largest displays of humanity and
inner love for the others was created.
Night also illustrates how the emotional and mental strength embedded within each
individual contribute to the power and resilience of human nature. After a horrid event at the
electrical factory at the Buna camp; where Eliezer was eventually transferred to; in which Idek,
the Kapo in charge of the Jews there, had just brutally and cruelly beat Eliezer until he was
bruised and bloody, a French girl comforted and took care of him, stating, Bite you lips, little
brotherDont cry. Keep your anger, your hate, for another day, for later. The day will come but
not nowWait. Clench your teeth and wait (53) The French girls words are prime examples
of the emotional and mental strength of human nature. She is there telling Eliezer to find his
inner strength in order to restrain himself, despite the merciless beating he has just received.
Eliezer is instructed to be strong inside himself, to prevent himself from regressing to the Nazis
status and mindset. He shows, through his emotional strength and will, how he was able to keep
himself above the Nazis humanity. He doesnt physically retaliate against Idek and therefore
demonstrates his emotional and mental strength. This instance is a prime example of the mental
power embedded within the nature of humanity.
Through Wiesels novel, Night, it is demonstrated multiple times by the prisoners that
great physical strength is possible even in the most inhumane and brutal conditions possible. A
prime example of large physical strength in action within the death camp involves Eliezer and
Idek. Due to Eliezer catching Idek in the act of eloping with a woman, he is subjected to
extreme, painful punishment at Ideks hand. Wiesel takes us through his eyes and shows us this
event, portraying it as if we are there with him. He shares, I stepped forward. A crate he

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ordered. Lie down on it! I obeyed. I no longer felt anything but the lashes of the whip
Twenty-fourtwenty-five! (57-58) As illustrated through this scene of bloody and graphic
torture, Eliezer is subjected to unfair and inhumane acts of violence in his time in Auschwitz.
However, despite these hindrances and horrid obstacles, Eliezer just perseveres through. Many of
the prisoners within the camp also share this physical strength. They gather their power and
courage to survive. In doing so, they prevail against the Nazis in their war against the Jews and
imperfect races. Elie Wiesel was one of these individuals who prevailed against the Nazis on a
personal level. He beat the Nazis at their own brutal game of oppression and in doing so, proved
that those with the most prowess, like those with astounding physical strength, are found in the
depths of the oppressed.
Through Night, Elie Wiesel illustrates his horrid journey of pain and sorrow and puts his
readers in his shoes. However, despite its negative, depressing aspects, Night also proves to be a
special ode as well. This novel serves as an ode to human nature in its entirety. It conveys how
the perseverance and strength of the human will can be the stuff of legend; that those who are
oppressed can beat back their oppressors and achieve the ultimate, personal victory.