1. Dehumanizing Language:
* "The yellow star?" (Chapter 1): This simple question, referring to the forced identification of Jews, carries a weight of fear and oppression. The "yellow star" becomes a symbol of their loss of identity and freedom.
* "They were no longer men, but beasts." (Chapter 4): This description of the prisoners' dehumanization is stark and impactful. The use of "beasts" emphasizes their stripped humanity and the brutality of their situation.
* "The world was no longer as it had been." (Chapter 5): This simple statement reflects the profound shift in perception caused by the horrors witnessed in the camps. The word "world" represents the loss of innocence and the shattering of their previous reality.
2. Religious Imagery:
* "The Almighty, the Eternal, the Infinite, had vanished from the universe." (Chapter 3): This declaration of a lost faith reflects the trauma of witnessing the destruction of everything they believed in. The use of "Almighty" and "Eternal" emphasizes the profound impact of the loss.
* "But where was God?" (Chapter 5): This repeated question, echoing throughout the book, reveals the struggle of questioning faith in the face of unimaginable suffering.
3. Sensory Detail:
* "The stench of death...a sweet and sickening odor...in the air." (Chapter 4): The vivid description of the smell of death amplifies the horrifying conditions of the camps.
* "The icy wind whistled through the barbed wire." (Chapter 5): This image creates a sense of vulnerability and isolation. The "icy wind" reinforces the harshness of their environment.
4. Concise and Direct:
* "Work, sleep, eat, work, sleep, eat...every day was the same." (Chapter 6): This repetition emphasizes the monotonous and soul-crushing nature of camp life.
* "The first to die were the weakest." (Chapter 7): The direct statement highlights the brutality of the camp environment and the constant threat of death.
Impact of Diction:
Elie Wiesel's diction is powerful and deliberate. His choice of words is essential to conveying the profound emotions and experiences of the Holocaust. The dehumanizing language highlights the systemic cruelty, the religious imagery reveals the struggle of faith, and the sensory detail immerses the reader in the harsh realities of the camps. His concise and direct prose intensifies the impact of the story.
Note: These are just a few examples. Throughout *Night*, Wiesel employs a carefully crafted diction that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.