Elie's behavior to his father's death was quite unusual. Most people who share the bond of love with their father would have wept and mourned after his death. Elie is different from most people though. He has experienced perhaps the cruelest thing in all of history. Death was a daily occurrence in Auschwitz, and Elie saw plenty of it. When something constantly repeats itself, it becomes normal. To Elie, death was normal.

Elie's reaction to his father's death was unusual because he did nothing to honor his father. He did not say any prayers or recite the kaddish. There were no candles lit in remembrance of his father. Elie was strange for not doing these things. It was also unusual that Elie was relieved when his father died because he could now focus on himself.

When something becomes normal, a great reaction cannot be expected...