Eliezer feels profound guilt over his inability to adequately care for his father. The harsh and desolate conditions of the camps pose significant challenges, and Eliezer is often physically and emotionally exhausted, making it difficult to provide the level of care his father needs. He grapples with the guilt of not being able to give his father the support and comfort he desperately needs.
On the other hand, Eliezer is gripped by fear for his own survival. In a world where every person's life hangs by a thread, the instinct for self-preservation is natural. Eliezer cannot avoid the harsh reality that neglecting his father's well-being might enhance his chances of survival. The potential consequences of trying to help his father while jeopardizing his life haunt Eliezer.
Caught in this internal battle, Eliezer wrestles with the profound emotional attachment he shares with his father. They have shared a close and loving relationship throughout their lives. Witnessing his father's suffering causes him unbearable emotional pain. The bond between them compels Eliezer to strive to care for him, despite the obstacles they face.
Eliezer's internal conflict reflects a universal human struggle to balance individual survival with moral obligations and emotional connections in extreme and challenging circumstances. His struggle embodies the theme of humanity's capacity for resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.