Question

What does this quote reveal?

"[Rabbi Eliahou's son] 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. I had done well to forget that. And I was glad that Rabbi Eliahou should continue to look for his beloved son. And, in spite of myself, a prayer rose in my heart, to that God in whom I no longer believed. My God, Lord of the Universe, give me strength never to do what Rabbi Eliahou's son has done."

A. The importance of surviving the concentration camps
B. The importance of Elie's relationship with his father
C. The importance of believing in God
D. The importance of remaining faithful in a time of crisis

Answer 1

D. The importance of remaining faithful in a time of crisis

The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quoted passage from Elie Wiesel's "Night" reveals the profound significance of maintaining faith and fidelity in the face of extreme adversity. Elie reflects on Rabbi Eliahou's son, who abandons his father in the concentration camps to improve his own chances of survival. Elie, in contrast, expresses relief that he had not succumbed to such a temptation. The prayer that rises in his heart, despite his waning belief in God, underscores the importance of moral and spiritual integrity during times of crisis.

In this context, the narrative transcends a simple focus on survival in the concentration camps (Option A) or the relationship between Elie and his father (Option B). Instead, it emphasizes a broader theme of spiritual resilience and the inner struggle to retain one's humanity in the face of unimaginable horrors. The prayer to a God in whom Elie claims not to believe further underscores the complexity of the human experience in the Holocaust, where faith and doubt coexist in the midst of profound suffering.

This passage serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition during times of crisis, urging readers to contemplate the moral choices individuals make in the most challenging circumstances. It underscores the importance of remaining faithful not only to religious beliefs but also to the principles of compassion, solidarity, and moral responsibility, even when confronted with the harsh realities of the Holocaust.

Thus, the correct option is D.