Final answer:
Elie's attitude toward God at the beginning of the chapter can be described as a severe loss of faith and disillusionment. Characters in similar situations express their disbelief and question the presence of good on earth, reflecting a spiritual crisis.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the beginning of the chapter, it appears that Elie's attitude toward God is one of profound disillusionment and loss of faith. Despite the introductory formula of each chapter of the text that begins with 'In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful', Elie's personal journey reflects a stark contrast.
Instances in the text describe characters experiencing severe spiritual crises, such as one character exclaiming, "My Faith is gone!", signaling a complete abandonment of belief in goodness and divine justice.
Similarly, Elie's experience and the reaction of other characters in front of an angel show a sense of terror and disbelief, with a character almost saying, "How could this be true? How can it have come to this?" indicating a crisis of faith in the face of overwhelming adversity.