You are responsible for your own situation
Corrie said, “Happiness does not depend on the environment we are in.” The quote above from The Hiding Place proves that our emotions are something we control. Corrie ten boom’s The Hiding Place or Elie Wiesel’s Night both show that different people react differently to hardship.
The novel’s themes are similar to each other in that the situation of both characters is similar. Both novels have their main characters thrust into an awful world. Both of them must contend with the inhumane circumstances of Nazi concentrations camps. The two must also battle selfishness, starvation and their own egoism.
There are some differences, even though many themes are the same. Elie in Night believes God is dead, because he cannot believe God would allow this to happen. Corrie instead turns to God as her “hiding space” and decides that she will still love and trust him even though terrible things continue to happen to her.
The stories also have a theme of miracles. Corrie didn’t experience an amazing miracle in her story, such as raising dead people. But she could see miracles everywhere and give thanks. Corrie gave thanks to God for many miracles, such as the miracles in which she was able sneak the Bible, the miracles with the vitamin bottles, and the miracles with the fleas. Even though it was a horrible place, she could still see the positives and had faith in God that he would help her get through. Elie only acknowledged a small miracle. He thanked the mud for making his shoes seem older. Corrie made her own happiness. Elie gave in to despair.
These two books use similar images and descriptions. Both books describe the effects and details of concentration camps. Corrie describes her story in more poetic terms. She is careful to explain her story. Elie is more harsh in his descriptions. The world is the way it appears to Elie. Corrie’s mid-50s is a world that he does not see.
Corrie’s book has a tone that is filled with hope. It is rare that she loses hope. She continues to try and has faith in God. At first, the Night is filled false hope. Many people tell themselves lies for security. In those circumstances, people would deny God’s existence or tell themselves untruths. The people in that situation were ready to lie to themselves to maintain an appearance of safety.
The age difference between the two is the most important factor in their tone. Corrie’s voice is likely more optimistic because she is older and wiser. Elie is young and doesn’t have the experience to know how to handle hardships. He isn’t old enough to be able to handle difficult things.
Even though they are both dealing with the same issues, the tones of the two films are quite different. Elie turns his back on God, while Corrie is centered around hope. People have the choice to either be hopeful, or to choose not to hope.
