Chattahoochee River
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Elie's Context
When reading this book a second time, I have noticed a different aspect of Elie's background that has revealed further depth of understanding of the effects of the Holocaust (though I doubt it's actually completely possible to understand the full repercussions of the Holocaust on an individual). Elie is Jewish. Throughout the first chapter he explains his ambitions of becoming a master of the Jewish religion and understanding God to the furthest extent that he can. His dedication to Judaism will expectedly become his profession and define his entire life. When reading the Forward, which precedes Chapter 1, it briefly mentions some later quotes in the book. It foreshadows how not only does Elie ask God why is the Holocaust happening, he accuses God and denounces his greatness and his divineness. In context, this transformation of character is enormous: a man of God, raised to find God and inspired to live for God, later rejects him with hatred and bitterness. By understanding the context now, I've discovered a new dimension in which the Holocaust's repercussions can be defined, and how it personally transformed Elie.
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This is a good example of how atrocities against humanity such as the Holocaust can change people. It is quite obvious that Elie believes and trusts in God, and as he witnesses these atrocities he begins to question his beliefs. During the first Chapter, you can see these stirrings within him occuring, but he has yet to voice his concerns. This is definitely a theme to keep tabs on throughout the book as the Holocaust unfolds and Elie experiences it firsthand.
ReplyDeleteThats a good point Loren. As I was reading the first chapter I noticed that Ellie had a desire to find God and becoming dedicated to Judaism practices. Sometimes when bad things happen to people, they tend to loose faith. I wonder if Ellie will loose his relationship with God as the book progresses and as he witnesses tragedies.
ReplyDeleteI too found this interesting rereading it a second time. I remember another Holocaust novel where the soldiers tell the Jews that their God is dead. It is interesting to see how in the Holocaust some people leap into their faith while others shut off. The contrast is very startling a young man studying the practices to one alluding to doubting God's existence with the flip between the forward and 1st chapter.
ReplyDeleteI too am interested to reread the book with a closer eye on this issue.