Imagery In Elie Wiesel's Night

“Despite the growing darkness, I could see my father turn pale.” (Pg. 12)
“We would no longer have to look at all those hostile faces, endure those hate-filled stares. No more fear. No more anguish.” (Pg. 12)

In chapter one, the author uses examples of imagery to foreshadow the upcoming tragedy that Ellie will face. Although Ellie realizes that harsh conditions are approaching, similar to the growing darkness when a day transitions into night, he does not have any clue about the extent of the horror that is to come. The “growing darkness” can be translated into their hope quickly extinguishing, leaving only a depressing feeling of emptiness. In addition, the title itself, Night, portrays Elie’s hope decreasing, parallel to the decreasing amount of light during the night time. Furthermore, the quote, “No more Fear. No more anguish,” reveals the delusional and misleading thoughts of safety and joy of Elie and the other Jewish people. Due to the lack of information, Elie believes that the foreign invaders have altruistic intentions to help the Jewish

For example. The “swords” above the prisoners’ heads is an allusion to Damocles, an ancient Greek myth. This is selected to show the peril of individuals in dangerous situations. However, even though the situation appears grim, the old man inspires Elie to not eradicate hope, giving Elie motivation throughout the terrible tragedy. Furthermore, the author unknowingly possesses thoughts of irony during his time at the concentration camp. The irony in the phrase “Work Sets You Free” is that the act of working itself prevents the prisoners from being free. In addition, the German phrase instills false hope to the Jewish people in order to enforce slavery until death. Overall, the ironic tone of the German phrase foreshadows the upcoming darkness in the concentration camps by revealing the empty promises of the German