BPangborn: Response Three 3/9

     While reading the last section of Night by Elie Wiesel, I felt freedom coming nearer. Something I did not expect, though, was the sacrifice of Elie's father for freedom in turn. In the last few chapters, the dehumanization didn't cease. One of the first few words written within the beginning of the section were the commands of the SS officers yelling "faster you filthy dogs," (85). ...So now the remaining prisoners, at this point only a week or two from freedom had been reduced to the living standards of animals? 
     Everyone's strength had been tested daily. Elie recounts that, "we were stronger than cold and hunger, stronger than the guns and the desire to die, doomed and rootless, nothing but numbers, and we were the only men on the earth" (87). Excuse my french, but damn right they were the only men on the earth! No "man" today would be able to endure an event even close to this. I feel as though the definition of a man has changed. In the past, a man was someone who brought food on the table and endured events like this one. Now, a man is considered to be a male who has large muscles and has a way with the ladies. I was truly inspired by this statement because it shows Elie's reflection about his experience during the Holocaust. I admire his strength, both physically, mentally, and emotionally.
     The death of Elie's father is what really touched me. He was days from walking through the gates of the concentration camp, out from under the cruel ruling of another, never having to look back. I feel as though when many people read this, they wonder why Elie didn't do everything in his power to save his father. Even the most loving person in the world would probably react to this situation the same way Elie did. Put under such a strain just to survive would change anyone's views on life. For example, when a fellow mentioned to Elie that, "each of us lives and dies alone" (110). This brought the truth to Elie's actions - for each person dies alone. When his father died, Elie was relieved of the responsibility to take on two lives close to death.
     Therefore, I enjoyed this book, but was a little taken back by the heaviness of the Holocaust. Although Wiesel is a well spoken writer, I believe that I should've read this book that a later age, and not have read it in school. I believe that this is a very personal book that I may have been able to relate to more if I were more experienced in life. I have not been exposed to many hardships in my life that would be able to make me reflect on my own life experiences. In conclusion, even though i thoroughly enjoyed this book, it would've been in my best interest to read this book at a later age. Nonetheless, this book shows the foundation of humanity, and just how much a human can be pushed to the limit. Elie Wiesel is a true survivor.


This is a photograph showing Wiesel in one of his concentration camps. Notice the number of people forced to lie in just one bunk. Also take not of how emancipated the man standing is, and it wasn't just him either. Everyone suffered the same effects of living in the concentration camps.