The Reader Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 3, Chapter 1 Summary

Part 3, Chapter 1 Summary

After the trial, Michael studies intensively and excludes nearly everything else from his life. He goes through the days feeling emotionally numb and takes reckless chances with his health. After some time he becomes quite ill and spends several weeks recuperating. During this time he also, finally, is overcome with uncontrollable emotions. The late 1960's social changes in Germany cause upheaval at the university but Michael remains apart from the demonstrations. He spends many hours reflecting on Germany's Nazi past and thinking about the societal collective guilt. He comes to realize his parents were in fact innocent of wrongdoing and moves beyond holding them responsible for what happened.

Part 3, Chapter 1 Analysis

Part 3 of the novel begins a new period of time for Michael. With Hanna imprisoned he feels finally free to examine his emotional state. He watches society go through changes and upheaval and realizes it to be a form of expression...
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