Problem of Relationships in Night by Elie Wiesel

Table of Contents

Introduction
How the relationship changes
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The essay will explore the relationship between Eliezer and his father. An extensive study of the relationship right from the beginning to how they later change in the novel will be examined. It is notable that, during the Holocaust, Eliezer and others who were ready to face the executions went through numerous challenges and changes towards the people around them. The experience was not easy since many lost their families during the Holocaust.

In the novel, Eliezers relationship with his father is portrayed to be extremely distinct from that of Rabbi Eliahou. The distinct nature of their relationships is only seen during the beginning of the novel, but a major change is witnessed as the novel progresses. The advancement of the novel unfolds similar relationships between the two relationships (Elie, 66).

How the relationship changes

Eliezer greatly shows mighty love for his father at the beginning of the novel. He also shows great care to his father, which seems to change with time. At the time when Eliezer and his father are moved to the camp, the love for his father is very deep. His love is evidenced when he gives his father lessons to enable him to march without being harmed. The marching lessons helped his father a lot.

During the time when Eliezer was teaching his father how to march, people were making fun of him. However, he did not care and showed great commitment towards helping his father. He did what he could in protecting his father from any harm. He greatly wanted his father around him (Sanford, 68).

Eliezer appreciates the motivation his father gives him, as opposed to Rabbi Eliahou, who views his father as a burden and wants to get rid of him. Eliezer and his father seem too deep when they enter the camp, but this later changes tremendously. They greatly support each other during their first days in the camp. The Rabbis son is contrary to Eliezer. At the time when they were running, he left his father. On the other hand, his father thought he had lost him.

Eliezer does not in any way want to lose his father, but sometimes, he experienced mixed feelings about his father. He feels that supporting his father continues to become a burden to him. The thought of him forgetting his father is very dominating towards the middle of the novel. He is confused and not sure of the step to take (Elie, 46).

There is a drastic change in Elieziers relationship with his father towards the end of the novel. The relationship depicted in the beginning changes entirely. He does not disclose his exact feelings to his father. Nonetheless, when they are separated, he wished that his father had not found him. Though his father is sickly and weak, Eliezer chooses to leave him to sleep in the snow. Compared to the great care evidenced during the beginning of the novel, it is clear that he no longer gave a damn. His relationship with his father is like that between Rabbi Eliahoau and his son. Eliezers perceived his father as a burden and looked at him like disposable luggage (Elie & Wiesel, 45).

Conclusion

The relationship between Eliezeir and his father at the beginning of the novel is very close, and he greatly cares about his well-being. The relationship does not last long, and towards the end of the novel, there is no difference between his relationship and that of Rabbi Eliahous son and his father.