Tragedy In Elie Wiesel's Night

The memoir Night by Elie Wiesel, takes readers back to a dark period in our world. Where tragedy fell upon countless Jewish individuals in the heart wrenching events of the Holocaust. The world was, and still is left struggling to find answers that can justify the means of this event in history. During the course of the reading, Elie undergoes rises and downfalls in his once strong belief in God. He wonders, along with the rest of the world, how a good God can see such wickedness and leave it be. Yet, in the midst of his wrestling Elie encounters a profound way of relating God's presence to the innocent suffering all around him. Throughout his journey, Elie is consumed by doubt, as all around him people begin to question God's goodness. He soon finds those he once knew to be most faithful believers, now turning against …show more content…
In his time at the infirmary, Elie resided amongst a fellow Jewish neighbor. His neighbor released a bold statement that grew within many weary hearts, but of which everyone was too frightened to think, let alone say. “‘I have more faith in Hitler than in anyone else. He alone has kept his promises, all his promises, to the Jewish people’” (81). This accusation towards God was in spite of his seemingly unjust action. It prompted the question, why invest oneself in trusting what cannot be comprehended? While in Buna concentration camp, Elie presented a distinct image of a little boy hanging from a rope. This image of a boy, with pale skin, pink tongue, and breath wavering can be understood. People understand this as cruelty. It is much harder to comprehend such matters from the perspective of a God known to shed mercy, and hold children in the palm of his hand. Praising God when joy is in the air is easier than trusting him in the midst of darkness. For this calls for unshakable faith. Instead, people often choose to separate "good and bad" completely, refusing to believe they could ever