He's happy here, you know. The theater. A German audience. That's everything for him.' Her eyes shining a little now, an acolyte's pleasure. The same look oddly he's seen in Martin's, both in thrall to some idea that seemed worth a sacrifice.
-- Ruth (Chapter 1: "Lützowplatz")

Importance: Alex converses with Ruth here upon his arrival at his hotel after having recently crossed the Austrian border to return to Germany. Following his exile to the United States, Alex experiences a fracturing of his German identity after being forced to leave his homeland at a pivotal moment in Germany history. This passage highlights the simultaneous universality and isolation that the exiled German nationals feel upon their return to a home that may or may not still belong to them. Herr Brecht, the playwright Ruth speaks about, feels intense gratitude to witness his plays staged in front of a German audience. Additionally, all of the characters understand...