In Elie Wiesel's memoir Night, Elie’s father, Shlomo, represents hope to Elie. As far as Elie knows, Shlomo is the only other member of his family still alive after their arrival at Auschwitz early on in the memoir. Though Elie is realistic about his mother and younger sister’s chances, he does not stop Shlomo from believing that they might still be alive. Shlomo’s hope may be misguided, but it is hope nonetheless.
To Elie, not letting go of hope means keeping Shlomo alive. Even when Elie is recovering from foot surgery, he sends part of his ration to Shlomo. Also, Elie physically supports Shlomo through the night long march the prisoners make through the snow.
Shlomo’s death stamps out the last of Elie’s hope. By himself, Elie loses the will to live. When Allied troops liberate the concentration camp in April 1945, Elie is on the brink of starvation. His actions and outlook closely mirror the fatalistic attitude espoused by Akiba Drumer earlier in the memoir.
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