Night By Shlomo Wiesel Sparknotes

Wiesel writes this memoir not only as a testimony to what happened during the Holocaust, but also as a “memory” for his father. As Wiesel wakes up to the harsh reality of another day in the camp, the weight of his father's impending demise takes a toll on his mind. During an alert, he finds himself swept away by the chaotic mob, momentarily neglecting his father. Consumed by guilt, Wiesel embarks on a desperate search for his father, only to be overrun by a conflicting thought—a fleeting desire not to find him. The burden of responsibility weighs on him, but he fights with a selfish impulse to free himself from the obligations of caregiving. The struggle intensifies as he walks for hours without locating his father, until, finally, he stumbles …show more content…
Wiesel's decision to prioritize his father's well-being over his own health reflects the depth of his guilt for momentarily abandoning his father during an alert. This internal conflict signifies the enduring impact of the Holocaust on familial bonds and moral considerations. In the sacrificial nature of Wiesel's actions. By reserving the coffee for his father, Wiesel goes beyond a mere survival instinct; he actively embraces the responsibility and guilt associated with his role as a son. This moment becomes a testament to the lasting influence of familial relationships in the face of extreme adversity. However, it is not only in these moments of survival that Wiesel's purpose for writing the memoir becomes apparent. In the aftermath of the liberation of Buchenwald, where the immediate concerns are centered around basic survival needs, Wiesel decides to look at himself in the mirror for the first time since the days in the ghetto. This reflective act becomes a moment of profound self-awareness, as he describes the reflection as that of a corpse contemplating him, leaving an indelible mark on his