This chapter, overall, was extremely difficult and upsetting to read, but the ending in particular stood out to me for the impact and symbolism of the hanging of the child. Obviously a child being hung is horrible enough, but many other people have been beaten and/or killed, yet for some reason this instance is implied by Eliezer to be the symbolic death of God. The text reads,
"For God's sake, where is God?" And from within me, I heard a voice answer:
"Where He is? This is where-- hanging here on this gallows..."
We've seen over the course of the book so far that Eliezer and others have had troubles with their faith since their world has turned into a hell, devoid of humanity almost entirely, but this specific moment in the book, we see Eliezer's faith completely crumble, as he describes the death of his God. I think this says a lot about what is to come in the book, possibly showing a complete turning/transition point, as we can see that Eliezer is a completely changed person, and not necessarily in a "positive" way.
Yes! I got the same meaning from the hanging at the end of the chapter. I thought by saying that God was hanging in the gallows, Elie was telling us that he had lost his faith. It was a major transition to me.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you Marian. I have this feeling that we might see Elie become a bit more selfish in order to survive. I think he will try to take his survival into his own hands and try to eliminate chance.
ReplyDeleteWiesel's loss of faith here can also be connected to his loss of humanity since before these events occurred, he was a devout follower of his faith with lots of enthusiasm, but now he rejects it completely.
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