Chapter 8
Elie is very heartwarming in this chapter, as he sticks with his father even though he proves to be detrimental towards Elie's survival efforts. Elie occasionally gives his rations to his ill father and even gives up food to be next to him. Giving up rations is a HUGE deal considering the conditions they are in, and this proves Elie has hope in his father. I believe that although Elie's dad is in need of his rations, he also benefits Elie by giving him an outlet of love and hope. Elie may be grudgingly providing for his father, but just the fact that he does shows that he has a will to make it through the Holocaust with his dad by his side.
- “He didn’t answer. I myself was so weary that his silence left me indifferent. My only wish was to take the shower as soon as possible and lie down on a cot.” Page 104
- “ I could have screamed in anger. TO have lived and endured so much; was I going to let my father die now? Now that we would be able to take a good hot shower and lie down?” Page 105
- “Yet at the same time a thought crept into my mind: If only I didn’t find him! If only I were relieved of this responsibility, I could use all my strength to fight for my own survival, to take care only of myself… Instantly, I felt ashamed, ashamed of myself forever.” Page 106
- “I gave him the what was left of my soup. But my heart was heavy. I was aware that I was doing it grudgingly.” Page 107
- “For a ration of bread I was able to exchange cots to be next to my father. When the doctor arrived in the afternoon, I went to tell him that my father was very ill.” Page 108