Night

            
             There are many themes in the novel Night, by Elie Wiesel; some of these include loss of faith, father-son relationships, food and hunger, and disbelief. One of the most interesting theme is the father-son relationship. This theme can be seen throughout the novel with many fathers and sons. Elie has a very strong relationship with his father. His main reason for not giving up in the camps is so his father is not alone. Some kinships are not like Elieand his fathers. One son purposely loses his father so that he does not burden him and another son beats and kills his own father just for food. Father and son relationships can be seen in many parts in Night and takes a very large roll in the novel. One of the relationships between fathers and sons that demonstrate the compassion for one another, not cruelty, is the relationship between Elie and his father. During the march to Gleiwitz, Elie thinks he can no longer go on with this horrible ordeal but decides he will keep on going for his father. Elieinspiration during the endless march is his father. "My fatherpresence was the only thing that stopped meHe was running at my side, out of breath, at the end of his strength, at his witend. I had no right to let myself die. What would he do without me? I was his only support" (82). Their relationship is so strong that is actually gives Elie a reason to keep on living through this novel. Some relationships are not as pleasant as Eliewith his father. Elie talks about a son and his father, a Rabbi, who intentionally loses his father during the march to Gleiwitz. "A terrible thought loomed up in my mind: he had wanted to get rid of his father! He had felt that his father was growing weak, he had believed that the end was near and had sought this separation in order to get rid of the burden, to free himself from an encumbrance which could lessen his own chances of survival" (87). When Elie realizes what has happened between the Rabbi and his son, it is very disturbing to him and he prays for strength that he never does this to his father.