Here's how Wiesel uses various techniques to reveal this transformation:
* Through Eliezer's Actions: Initially, Eliezer clings to his faith and his studies, finding comfort in the spiritual. However, as he faces the horrors of the concentration camps, his faith crumbles. He steals food, witnesses horrific violence, and becomes detached from his sense of morality.
* Through Eliezer's Thoughts: We see Eliezer's inner struggle through his thoughts and reflections. He grapples with the loss of his faith, the meaning of suffering, and the nature of humanity. His initial idealism gives way to a harsh, survivalist mentality.
* Through Dialogue: Eliezer's interactions with other characters reveal his changing character. He becomes more cautious, suspicious, and even indifferent to the suffering of others, reflecting the harsh reality of his environment.
* Through Contrast: Wiesel contrasts Eliezer's initial naivety with his eventual disillusionment, highlighting the depth of his transformation. For example, the difference between his pre-camp self and his post-camp self is striking: the idealistic boy who studied the Kabbalah is replaced by a cynical man who has lost all faith.
This gradual characterization of Eliezer is effective because it mirrors the dehumanizing impact of the Holocaust on its victims. It emphasizes the psychological and emotional trauma they experienced and the long-lasting effects on their identities.