Final answer:
Elie's father was likely beaten due to being sick and weak, which underscores the inhumanity faced by characters in oppressive or war-related narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pertains to the reason why Elie's father was being beaten in the context of a book or narrative. Based on the provided excerpts and common themes within stories involving hardship or historical contexts such as war or oppression, the scenario often depicts characters being subjected to inhumane treatment due to various reasons, like weakness, disobedience, or being perceived as a burden. In literary works that reflect on human suffering and the struggle for dignity, characters like Elie's father could be beaten for something as unfortunate as being sick and weak, which highlights the cruelty of their oppressors and the stark conditions they are forced to endure.