Introduction
The relationship between Eliezer and his father is quite strong in the beginning. However, Eliezer’s love for God overwhelms love for his father. This is evident when he decides to study Kabbalah, against his father’s wish (Wiesel 5). Interestingly, Eliezer chooses to ignore his father’s advice concerning the religious study. This shows that Eliezer loves God more than he loves his father. Nonetheless, as the holocaust begins, the bond between Eliezer and his father also strengthens. This paper will explore the relationship between Eliezer and his father (Sibelman 14).
The Relationship between Eliezer and his Father
Eliezer is brought up in Jewish tradition. Moreover, he prides in showing reverence to God. Eliezer goes deep in studying God’s mysteries. This leads him to Kabbalah, which talks about Jewish mystics. Eliezer’s father is unhappy about his son’s involvement in Jewish mystics. However, he does not use force on Eliezer but rather advises him. These happenings portray Eliezer’s father as caring and loving to his son. Moreover, his action towards Eliezer shows Jewish tradition of allowing their children to go before God to the best of their ability (Wiesel 8).
Additionally, it can be noted that Eliezer loves his father. This is evident because he commits to studying God’s commandments, which instructs him to obey his parents. Nonetheless, to this extent, Eliezer’s love for his father does not override his love for God. Therefore, it can be observed that the Eliezer shares a warm relationship with his father (Wiesel 18).
Experiences at the camp during the holocaust sadden Eliezer. For instance, Rabbi Eliahou’s son speaks shamefully about his father. In fact, he (Rabbi Eliahou’s son) plans harm against his father. This action disgusts Eliezer, he calls to God for help “…never to do what Rabbi Eliahou’s son has done” (Wiesel 91). Eliezer realizes that God has left them “…hanging here on this gallows” (Wiesel 65). In fact, Eliezer’s love for God is seen to hang in a balance as he seeks to strengthen his love for father.
Eliezer revels that his father is his strength in the camp. Despite being surrounded by disobedient inmates, Eliezer remains faithful to his father. The love between father and son strengthens amidst the turmoil. Upon his father’s death, Eliezer blames himself. Eliezer links his father’s death to Akedah in which Abraham who accepted to sacrifice Isaac Eliezer’s love for his father grows strong throughout the novel. Eliezer confesses that his father’s love enabled him to overcome the holocaust “…my father’s presence was the only thing that stopped me…” (Wiesel 86).
Conclusion
The Novel begins by portraying warmth between father and son. However, it also shows strong affection for God by the son. However, as the novel transcends, Eliezer’s love for God weakens while his love for father strengthens. During the Holocaust, Eliezer witnesses disgusting events. Fellow Jews forsake their parents. However, he remains steadfast in obeying his father. Eliezer’s love for his father is seen in his suddenness at father’s death. Moreover, Eliezer blames himself for his father’s death.
Works Cited
Sibelman, Simon. Silence in the Novels of Elie Wiesel, New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1995. Print.
Wiesel, Elie. Night, Hill and Wang, New York: Press, 2006. Print.