1. "Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed...Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live." (Page 31)
* Significance: This passage marks the beginning of Elie's descent into despair. The "long night" of his captivity, both physically and spiritually, destroys his innocence and desire to live. It's the first sign of a profound loss of faith in the world's capacity for good.
2. "Where is God? Where is He?" (Page 34)
* Significance: This question, repeated throughout the book, embodies the core struggle of Elie's faith. The horrific conditions of the concentration camps, the death and suffering around him, force him to confront the possibility of a God who allows such atrocities. His faith becomes a source of anguish, not comfort.
3. "And what is the meaning of this night? Why this darkness? Why is man alone? Where is God? I searched for Him, but there was no answer. The silence was immense, the silence of the universe." (Page 53)
* Significance: This passage signifies a significant turning point. Elie's questioning of God intensifies as he confronts the immense suffering, the lack of meaning, and the silence of the universe. He struggles with the concept of a benevolent God in the face of such brutality.
4. "I no longer felt anything. I was no longer able to weep." (Page 97)
* Significance: This quote reflects the emotional exhaustion and spiritual numbness that Elie experiences after witnessing countless horrors. His capacity for empathy and compassion seems to have been eroded, representing a further loss of faith in humanity's capacity for kindness.
5. "I did not pray. I had ceased to believe in God. What could He do for me now? He had made no promises." (Page 111)
* Significance: This is a direct statement of Elie's loss of faith. He acknowledges that his belief in a divine power has been shattered by the overwhelming experiences of the Holocaust. He feels abandoned and betrayed by a God who seems absent and indifferent.
Important Note: While these quotes demonstrate Elie's internal struggle and the loss of his childhood faith, it's crucial to remember that his journey is complex and ongoing. He never fully abandons his faith, but it's deeply shaken and transformed by his experiences.