In the memoir ‘Night’ by Elie Wiesel, Eliezer describes himself as a changed person, marked by the harrowing experiences he endures during the Holocaust. He reflects on his deep sense of loss, pain, and the struggle to maintain his faith in humanity and God amidst the horrors surrounding him.
Specifically, Eliezer mentions feelings of isolation, despair, and a loss of identity as he witnesses unimaginable suffering. He feels as though he has been stripped of his childhood and innocence, confronting a grim reality that forces him to mature far beyond his years. The emotional weight of his experiences transforms him; he often feels as if he is merely a shadow of his former self, grappling with hope and hopelessness.
His reflections highlight the physical and psychological scars left by the concentration camps, where survival becomes the only instinct. Eliezer’s evolving self-awareness serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of trauma, and how it can reshape one’s understanding of oneself and the world around them.