How Does Elie Wiesel Build Faith In Night

Brutality Weakens Faith in Night The Holocaust was one of the world’s darkest times, a mass murder conducted in the shadows of the world’s deadliest war. Thousands of Jews, Poles, Gypsies, and more were killed in the concentration camps every day. The Nazi soldiers deprived their prisoners of food, water, and in some cases, their will to live. In the memoir Night, Elie Wiesel, a young Jewish boy1, recounts the stories of his life during the Holocaust. As time progresses in the camps, it is evident that the dehumanization brought upon by a nefarious army causes the Jews to lose their faith in God. Prior to the deportation of Wiesel and his family, Wiesel possesses an undeniable faith at an early age. Believing and placing his trust in God is a second nature to him. Regarding his original faith, Wiesel writes, “I believed profoundly” (1). At just the age of twelve, Wiesel already understands his religion and is interested to learn more. He believes strongly in a god that not only created the universe, but a god that will listen to his prayers and love him unconditionally. Wiesel holds a strong faith

As they arrive at the camp and exit the cattle cars, Wiesel recounts, “In front of us flames. In the air that smell of burning flesh” (26). The Jews had then realized their fate; they had been exiled to a death camp where Hitler would fulfill his promises and destroy the Jewish community in its entirety2. Following the first night in the camp, Wiesel proclaims, “Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever […] Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust” (32). After being separated from his mother and sisters and witnessing the incineration of innocent babies, Wiesel’s hopes of everything being okay have vanished. He is beginning to internally revolt against God and refuses to accept His