1. According to Donne's poem, "No man is an island," the speaker argues that no individual is entirely self-sufficient, and everyone relies on others in their lives. Elie, as part of a collective identity, means that he is not alone and has the support of others. In the book Night, Eliezer experienced an immense feeling of loneliness in the concentration camps, and the lack of a collective identity led him to feel isolated. Being a part of a collective identity means that individuals have a shared purpose and are not alone in their struggles.
2. Elie's community in Sighet functions as a collective in several ways. Firstly, they share common traditions and beliefs, such as their religion and their sense of belonging to the Jewish community. Secondly, they work together to support each other, especially during times of hardship, as seen when they gather to pray at the synagogue. Finally, the community shares a sense of responsibility for each other, such as when they provide support to those who are struggling to find food or shelter.
3. The collective voice can have several advantages, as seen in both Night and "No man is an island." For example, a collective voice can provide a sense of solidarity, and a shared sense of purpose that can help individuals cope with difficult situations. This is seen when Eliezer's father becomes ill, and the other prisoners rally around him, providing emotional and practical support. Additionally, a collective voice can help individuals effect change, as seen in the poem, where Donne argues that the actions of one individual can have far-reaching consequences for others.
4. However, there are also disadvantages to having a collective voice, as seen in both Night and "No man is an island." For example, the collective voice can suppress individuality, as seen in the concentration camps, where individuals were stripped of their identities and reduced to mere numbers. Additionally, a collective voice can lead to conformity and a lack of critical thinking, as individuals are more likely to follow the crowd, rather than question the status quo. Finally, a collective voice can lead to groupthink, where individuals prioritize the opinions of the group over their own beliefs, potentially leading to negative outcomes.