Table of ContentsSelfishness in the CampsThe Betrayal of the FamilyThe Dehumanization of OthersConclusionElie Wiesel's memoir, Night, is a poignant account of his experiences during the Holocaust. Through his story, Wiesel exposes the depth of human suffering and the capacity for cruelty of individuals. In this context, the theme of selfishness appears as a crucial element of the story. Wiesel's depiction of selfishness illustrates how it can lead to the degradation of moral values, the erosion of empathy, and the perpetuation of suffering. This essay will explore the manifestations of selfishness in Night, examining how it is represented through the actions of individuals and its impact on the broader human experience during the Holocaust. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Selfishness in the Camps One of the most striking aspects of selfishness in Night is its prevalence in the concentration camps. As Wiesel recounts the dehumanizing conditions in which he and his fellow inmates were forced to exist, he exposes the ways in which selfishness flourished in this environment. The instinct for self-preservation has led many individuals to prioritize their own survival at the expense of others. This is illustrated by the way prisoners hoarded food, stole from each other, or betrayed their fellow inmates in order to gain favor with the camp authorities. Wiesel himself acknowledges his own struggle with selfishness, describing how he felt a sense of relief. when someone else suffered in his place. He writes: “Every man must fight for himself and think of no one else. Even from his father” (Wiesel 87). This passage illustrates the internal conflict Wiesel struggles with, torn between the instinct to prioritize his own survival and the moral imperative to care for his father. The pervasive atmosphere of self-interest within the camps is a stark reminder of the corrosive impact of selfishness on the human spirit. The Betrayal of Family Another dimension of selfishness in Night is the betrayal of family ties. Wiesel's relationship with his father is the focus of the memoir, and through their experiences, the impact of selfishness on family dynamics is brought to the forefront. As living conditions in the camps deteriorated, Wiesel describes how self-preservation led some individuals to distance themselves from members of their own families. This is evident in the way some sons abandoned their fathers, or vice versa, in order to increase their own chances of survival. Wiesel's conflicted feelings toward his father reflect the internal struggle that many individuals faced in this regard. He struggles with feelings of guilt and resentment, recognizing that sometimes he felt a sense of relief over his father's death. This internal conflict highlights how selfishness can erode the bonds of love and compassion that should exist within families. Betrayal of family members in the name of self-preservation is a tragic manifestation of the destructive power of selfishness. The dehumanization of others Nocturnal selfishness is also represented through the dehumanization of others. As prisoners endure unimaginable suffering, the instinct for self-preservation often leads to a devaluation of the lives of others. This is evident in the way individuals trampled on each other to secure a place in the food queue, or in the callous indifference with which some prisoners witnessed the.