IndexSelfishness in the CampsThe Betrayal of the FamilyThe Dehumanization of OthersConclusion Elie Wiesel's memoir, Night, is a moving account of his experiences during the Holocaust. Through his narrative, Wiesel exposes the depth of human suffering and individuals' capacity for cruelty. In this context, the theme of selfishness emerges as a crucial element in the narrative. Wiesel's depiction of selfishness illustrates how it can lead to the degradation of moral values, the erosion of empathy, and the perpetuation of suffering. This essay will explore the manifestations of selfishness in Night, examining how it is represented through the actions of individuals and its impact on the broader human experience during the Holocaust. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Selfishness in the Camps One of the most striking aspects of selfishness in Night is its prevalence within the concentration camps. As Wiesel recounts the dehumanizing conditions in which he and his fellow prisoners were forced to exist, he exposes the ways in which selfishness thrived in this environment. The instinct for self-preservation has led many individuals to prioritize their own survival at the expense of others. This is exemplified in how prisoners hoarded food, stole from each other, or betrayed their fellow inmates to gain favor with the camp authorities. Wiesel himself acknowledges his own struggle with selfishness, describing how he felt a sense of relief when someone else suffered in his place. He writes: “Every man must fight for himself and not think of anyone else. Even his father” (Wiesel 87). This passage illustrates the internal conflict Wiesel grapples with, torn between the instinct to prioritize his own survival and the moral imperative to care for his father. The pervasive atmosphere of self-interest within the camps serves as a stark reminder of the corrosive impact of selfishness on the human spirit. The Betrayal of Family Another dimension of selfishness in Night is the betrayal of family ties. Wiesel's relationship with his father forms the central focus of the memoir, and through their experiences, the impact of selfishness on family dynamics is brought to the foreground. As conditions in the camps worsened, Wiesel describes how the instinct for self-preservation led some individuals to distance themselves from their families. This is evident in the way some children abandon their fathers, or vice versa, to increase their own chances of survival. Wiesel's conflicted feelings towards his father reflect the internal struggle that many individuals have faced in this regard. He grapples with feelings of guilt and resentment, acknowledging that at times he felt a sense of relief at the thought of his father's death. This internal conflict highlights the ways in which selfishness can erode the bonds of love and compassion that should exist within families. Betrayal of family members for the sake of self-preservation serves as a tragic manifestation of the destructive power of selfishness. The dehumanization of othersSelfishness in the night is also represented through the dehumanization of others. While prisoners endure unimaginable suffering, the instinct for self-preservation often leads to devaluing the lives of others. This is evident in the way individuals trampled on each other to secure a place in the food queue, or in the callous indifference with which some prisoners witnessed the suffering of their cellmates. Wiesel reflects on this aspect of selfishness, noting how prisoners became.