IndexBeliefs and FaithRelationshipsSense of IdentityConclusionChange is an inevitable part of life and often shapes individuals in profound ways. Elie Wiesel's memoir, "Night," provides a harrowing account of his experiences during the Holocaust. Throughout the text, the reader witnesses the transformation of Elie, a young Jewish boy, as he passes through the horrors of the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. This essay will explore several instances in which Elie undergoes significant changes, examining the effects of these transformations on his beliefs, relationships, and sense of identity. By analyzing these examples, we can more fully understand how the extreme circumstances of the Holocaust influenced Elie and shaped his character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Beliefs and Faith One of the most important changes that occurs in Elie during “Night” is his transformation in beliefs and faith. As the memoir begins, Elie is deeply devout and has a strong faith in God. He seeks solace and guidance through his religious practices, finding comfort in the teachings of his rabbi and the traditions of his community. However, the atrocities he witnesses in the concentration camps test his faith. An example of this change can be seen when Elie witnesses the hanging of a young boy in Auschwitz. This event shakes Elie to his core, making him question the existence of a just and merciful God. He wonders how a benevolent deity could allow such senseless suffering and cruelty to occur. Elie's inner struggle is evident when he says, "For the first time, I felt the rebellion rise within me. Why should I bless His name? The Eternal, the Lord of the Universe, the Almighty and the Terrible, stood in silence. What did you have to thank him?" (Wiesel, p. 33). This example shows a profound change in Elie's beliefs. The trauma and dehumanization he experiences lead him to question the very foundation of his faith. He no longer sees God as a source of comfort and protection but as an absent figure who allows unimaginable suffering to persist. This change in beliefs not only alters Elie's relationship with God but also affects his overall perspective on life and the world around him. Relationships The extreme circumstances of the Holocaust also lead to significant changes in Elie's relationships, particularly with his father. As the memoir begins, Elie and his father share a close bond, relying on each other for support and comfort. However, the harsh conditions of the concentration camps put a strain on their relationship and force Elie to question his loyalty to his father. An example of this change can be seen when Elie's father becomes ill and weak. Elie is torn between the responsibility of caring for his father and his own survival instincts. He grapples with feelings of guilt and resents his father for being a burden. Elie reflects on this internal conflict, stating, "I didn't cry, and it pained me not to be able to cry. But I had no more tears. And, deep within my being, in the recesses of my weakened consciousness, I could. I searched for it, perhaps finally I would have found something like that for free!" (Wiesel, p. 112). This example highlights the strain the Holocaust places on family relationships. Elie's transformation from a dutiful son to someone who questions his own compassion and humanity demonstrates the profound impact of the concentration camps on his psyche. Extreme circumstances push Elie to confront the.