Idek is a Kapo in the concentration camp where Eliezer, the narrator of Night, is imprisoned. He is in charge of Eliezer’s work unit in the electrical warehouse at Buna. The character is known for his violent outbursts and unpredictable behavior, often beating the prisoners seemingly without cause. He represents the arbitrary cruelty and dehumanization experienced by those held in the camps.
The Kapo’s actions illustrate the power dynamics within the concentration camp system. He, a prisoner himself, is given authority and control over others, fostering an environment of fear and exploitation. This system effectively breaks down solidarity among the prisoners, as they become complicit in the abuse to survive. The historical context reveals this was a deliberate tactic employed by the Nazis to maintain order and control.
