Night By Elie Wiesel: Literary Analysis

Night by Elie Wiesel is an autobiography about his experience during the holocaust when he was fifteen years old. Elie is fifteen when the tragedy begins. He is taken with his family through many trials and then is separated from everyone besides his father. They are left with only each other of which they are able to confide in and look to for support. The story is told through a series of creative writing practices. Mr. Wiesel uses strong diction, and syntax as well as a combination of stylistic devices. This autobiography allows the readers to understand a personal, first-hand account of the terrible events of the holocaust. The ways diction is used in Night helps with this understanding. Elie Wiesel uses words that are relevant to the time period, religion, and language. By doing this the reader can understand the story being portrayed. Since he was Jewish and this story takes place during WWII he has to show that. “Shavuot” (page 12), “Talmudic” (page 12), “Ghetto” (page 12), “Kaddish” (page 33), all of these words show the time period, religion, and language. Many readers would agree that the prayer on page 34 would show religion and language importance in this story. “Yishdal, veyiskadash, shmey raba… may His name be exalted and sanctified.” (page 34). This prayer shows faith but Wiesel feels it is pointless
All three of these are applied into the book Night by Elie Wiesel. These add creativity and interest. Metaphors are used prominently throughout the book. “The stars were but sparks of immense conflagration that was consuming us.” (page 59) The stars weren't really a consuming fire. They were still just stars, but they did not provide comfort as they usually do for most people. This contradicts them and compares them to something opposite of what they are. Anaphoras add style and emphasis to a certain