Final answer:
Elie had to go to the doctor at Buna because he was having a toothache.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elie, a character in a literary work, had to see a doctor because he was having a toothache. This event occurs in the context of a narrative where health issues often arise due to the challenging living conditions the characters are facing. Mishaps such as dental issues, as well as more severe health concerns like infections and lack of access to adequate healthcare, are prevalent themes in such stories. The author may use these incidents to highlight the harsh realities of the character's environment, emphasizing the struggle for survival and the importance of health even amid dire circumstances.