Dawn is an interesting book, and I must admit that I'm entertained with how well Elie Wiesel has developed his internal conflict in the story. Let's focus on the poor boy, however I will quickly skip past his account with Catherine due to the intense awkwardness that will definitely come in my explanation. Skipping to page 186 in my book, we shall dwell for a bit on the beggar instructing Elisha that the little boy will answer all of his questions.
The little boy replied to Elisha's misunderstanding saying "'But it's all quite simple,' he exclaimed. 'We are here to be present at the execution. We want to see you carry it out. We want to see you turn into a murderer. That's natural enough isn't it?'" (186)
Shortly after he is shouted at being called "Poor Boy!" once again.
Hmmm.…Unsurprisingly, it bothers Elisha and he only becomes more confused and asks more questions. This reminds me of the Roman Coliseum. While it is quite different grounds and not an atmosphere surrounded by gladiator games, the people are shaping the individual into their preferred mold. The Romans shaped people into bloodthirsty gladiators according to the people's wishes, providing a bread and circus while reinforcing the government. However, the Jewish freedom fighters were molding Elisha into a function. He was being given a role and he could feel it changing him. Without Jews and a Jerusalem to fight for Elisha would be a different man. He is becoming a tool used to perform a difficult job for the benefit of the people. More so, Gad and the others only reinforce this by appealing to God and his Hassidic roots.
Further, I would like to mention his reluctance to offer John Dawson any food. I can clearly see Elisha trying to avoid any contact with him. To see his humanity would be undeniable, and Elisha can't make a good point to avoid offering him his last meal, even leading the others to side against him in frustration. His mental meltdown is being taken out on Dawson, even after the radio broadcast clearly said that he was simply dying on behalf of the British's decision to execute one of their own. A personal connection would likely drive Elisha overboard, but the other freedom fighters see it as business and don't shy from interacting with the hostage. Elisha is a poor boy. He has become a tool of the Old Man and his humanity is on the line. The job of an executioner on behalf of the state is one thing, but a young recruit being given the job to kill an enemy general in defiance is another thing. What would you seek to do in Elisha's shoes? Would you interact with Dawson? Would you attempt to flee into the darkness?
I commented on the posts of Moriah and Luke.
The little boy replied to Elisha's misunderstanding saying "'But it's all quite simple,' he exclaimed. 'We are here to be present at the execution. We want to see you carry it out. We want to see you turn into a murderer. That's natural enough isn't it?'" (186)
Shortly after he is shouted at being called "Poor Boy!" once again.
Hmmm.…Unsurprisingly, it bothers Elisha and he only becomes more confused and asks more questions. This reminds me of the Roman Coliseum. While it is quite different grounds and not an atmosphere surrounded by gladiator games, the people are shaping the individual into their preferred mold. The Romans shaped people into bloodthirsty gladiators according to the people's wishes, providing a bread and circus while reinforcing the government. However, the Jewish freedom fighters were molding Elisha into a function. He was being given a role and he could feel it changing him. Without Jews and a Jerusalem to fight for Elisha would be a different man. He is becoming a tool used to perform a difficult job for the benefit of the people. More so, Gad and the others only reinforce this by appealing to God and his Hassidic roots.
Further, I would like to mention his reluctance to offer John Dawson any food. I can clearly see Elisha trying to avoid any contact with him. To see his humanity would be undeniable, and Elisha can't make a good point to avoid offering him his last meal, even leading the others to side against him in frustration. His mental meltdown is being taken out on Dawson, even after the radio broadcast clearly said that he was simply dying on behalf of the British's decision to execute one of their own. A personal connection would likely drive Elisha overboard, but the other freedom fighters see it as business and don't shy from interacting with the hostage. Elisha is a poor boy. He has become a tool of the Old Man and his humanity is on the line. The job of an executioner on behalf of the state is one thing, but a young recruit being given the job to kill an enemy general in defiance is another thing. What would you seek to do in Elisha's shoes? Would you interact with Dawson? Would you attempt to flee into the darkness?
I commented on the posts of Moriah and Luke.
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