Here are a few examples of Eliezer's reactions in "Night" that suggest how his character changed:
1.Numbing of Emotions: At the beginning of the book, Eliezer displays a sense of innocence youthful curiosity. However, as he witnesses the atrocities of the concentration camps, his emotions become gradually dulled. He describes feeling numb and detached, losing his ability to feel pity or outrage. This numbing of emotions serves a coping mechanism to protect himself from the overwhelming harshness of his surroundings.
2.Loss of Faith: Eliezer starts the novel with a deep belief in God and a strong connection to his Jewish faith. However, his experiences in the camps challenge and erode his religious convictions. He struggles to understand why a benevolent God would allow such suffering to occur, and he questions the existence of a higher power. This loss of faith represents a significant shift in Eliezer's worldview.
3.Moral Struggles: Eliezer faces immense moral dilemmas during his experiences in the camps. He witnesses acts of cruelty and inhumanity, and he grapples with the boundaries of morality and human decency. The extreme conditions push him to make choices that he once considered unimaginable, such as stealing bread to survive. These struggles highlight the moral complexities of survival and the ways in which the camps test the limits of human character.
4.Emotional Detachment: Eliezer develops an emotional detachment as a means of self-preservation. He learns to suppress his feelings and desires to focus solely on survival. This detachment allows him to endure physical and emotional hardships, but it also results in a loss of humanity and a sense of alienation.
5.Hope and Resilience: Despite the overwhelming despair witnessed, Eliezer maintains a flicker of hope throughout the book. He finds strength in small moments of kindness and humanity and clings to the belief that liberation will eventually come. His resilience and determination to survive ultimately allow him to endure the horrors of the camps.
In summary, Eliezer's reactions in "Night" showcase a profound transformation in his character. The book chronicles his journey of loss, struggles with faith and morality, emotional detachment, and the perseverance of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.