Skip to main content

What is the theme of The Reader by Bernhard Schlink?

One of the most dominant themes in Schlink's story is the approach human beings take towards accepting responsibility.


Set amidst the backdrop of post-Holocaust Germany, a major theme seen in the actions of Hanna and Michael is how they approach responsibility for their actions. Michael is not able to affirm full responsibility for his relationship with Hanna.  He cannot vouch support for her in court, when he knows that his version of the truth is...

One of the most dominant themes in Schlink's story is the approach human beings take towards accepting responsibility.


Set amidst the backdrop of post-Holocaust Germany, a major theme seen in the actions of Hanna and Michael is how they approach responsibility for their actions. Michael is not able to affirm full responsibility for his relationship with Hanna.  He cannot vouch support for her in court, when he knows that his version of the truth is significant to her defense.  As he tries to sort out his feelings towards her, his inability to accept full emotional responsibility is displayed. Even though he makes books on tape for her, he is unable to fully embrace his obligation to her. At the end of the novel, Michael makes the donation of money in Hanna's name, but struggles in acknowledging the emotional connection between them.


In much the same way, Hanna struggles to take responsibility for her role in the Holocaust.  Even though she accepts blame in order to conceal her illiteracy in court, she does not fully acknowledge the role she played in the perpetuation of human suffering. Her suicide reveals her grasp of the full implications of her actions. After reading works by authors of the Holocaust, Hanna understands that her negation is the only way to accept blame for what she has done. Michael's and Hanna's emotional struggles prove that the way in which human beings attempt to take responsibility for their actions is a significant theme in The Reader.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is hyperbole in the story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry?

The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his... The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him plu
Post a Comment
Read more

How can I analyze Moon and Six Pence by Somerset Maugham?

In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of... In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of that society. His decision to e
Post a Comment
Read more

What are some literary devices in Macbeth, Act V, Scene 1?

Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not... Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh! oh, oh! (5.1.53-55) Hyperbole - Obvious exaggeration  There is also h
Post a Comment
Read more