What happens to Elie regarding his faith? What does the author use to show the struggle the inmates had retaining their humanity and their faith?

Elie struggled with his faith, and even gave up on God completely. Many of the other inmates also questioned their faith, but just as many held on. The Jewish prisoners kept the Sabbath and celebrated holidays from the confines of their prison.

Retaining their humanity was likely the most difficult challenge the prisoners had to meet. They were treated like animals, fed like animals, housed like animals, and thus, began to behave like them too. Fighting over food for survival, blankets for warmth, soup when nothing else was available..... they were kept on edge..... they were hungry, and they were desperate. This desperation led many to acts they never would otherwise have committed.