Listen to me, kid. Don't forget that you are in a concentration camp. In this place, it is every many for himself, and you cannot think of others. Not even you father. In this place, there is no such thing as father, brother, friend. Each of us lives and dies alone. Let me give you good advice: stop giving your ration of bread and soup to your old father. You cannot help him anymore. And you are hurting yourself. In fact, you should be getting his rations...
The quote from Elie Wiesel's "Night" highlights the harsh realities of life in a concentration camp, where survival becomes the ultimate priority. The speaker stresses that in such dire conditions, the bonds of family and friendship are rendered meaningless as each person must fend for themselves. This bleak perspective illustrates the emotional and psychological toll of the experience, emphasizing a brutal form of self-preservation.
The advice given to the young boy to stop sharing his food with his father reflects a painful but necessary decision for survival. It underscores the deep moral dilemmas faced by individuals in such situations, revealing the survival instinct that takes precedence over familial love. This moment encapsulates the tragedy of humanity in extreme circumstances, prompting readers to reflect on the loss of compassion when faced with the struggle for life.