One of the most tragic themes in Night is Eliezer's discovery of the way that atrocities and cruel treatment can make decent people into brutes. Argue whether or not this happens to Elie himself. Does he remain a good person, or do his experiences corrupt him?
i argued that he was effected because of his experience in the holocaust and that he was corrupted. i'm having trouble writing a counterargument. i wanted to write about how even though he did stick with his father until the end, he did it hesitantly but i'm not sure how to support this or which quotes to use.
I hope you learn the difference between "effect" and "affect" used as verbs:
https://www.onelook.com/?w=affect&ls=a
and
https://www.onelook.com/?w=effect&ls=a
I have not read this book, but the idea for your counterargument sounds solid. You'll need to find sections in the book where Elie is reluctant or hesitant to stick with his father. What you find may or may not be dialogue, but use quotations directly from the book that indicate his reluctance.
To build a counterargument that challenges the notion that Elie was corrupted by his experiences in the Holocaust, you can consider the following points:
1. Preservation of humanity: Throughout the novel, Elie demonstrates acts of compassion and empathy towards others. For example, despite the harsh conditions, he remains devoted to his father and tries to protect him as much as he can. This exemplifies his ability to preserve his humanity and maintain a sense of goodness even in dehumanizing circumstances.
2. Moral struggle: Elie constantly grapples with the moral implications of his experiences. While he may have hesitated in certain moments, such as when he considers abandoning his father, he ultimately chooses to stay with him until the end. This internal struggle demonstrates his unwavering sense of duty and highlights his resilience and strength of character, rather than indicating corruption.
3. Loss of innocence: Rather than being corrupted, Elie's experiences in the Holocaust can be seen as stripping away his innocence and forcing him to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. His haunting experiences may have led to cynicism and despair, but they do not necessarily negate his inherent goodness.
To support these points, you can refer to specific quotes and examples from the text. For instance, you might cite instances where Elie shows compassion towards others, such as his efforts to save his dying father from abandonment or his sharing of bread with others in the concentration camp. Additionally, you could highlight moments where Elie reflects on his moral struggle, contemplating the cost of survival and the sacrifices he is willing to make.
Remember to include textual evidence and provide adequate analysis to strengthen your counterargument.