4. Why are Friedrich and his father having uncharacteristic arguments, and why is there tension in the apartment when the narrator goes up to take the Schneiders some potatoes?

5. What do you think Schneider was doing by saying, "You were right, Herr..."?

6. What about this chapter shows a different side of Friedrich's life?

7. What happens when Friedrich tries to get into the shelter?

8. How are these chants a perversion of Jewish historical events?

9. What is ironic about the prayer that Scholoime is reciting at his death?

10. What happens when the narrator returns home and how does his response present a different side of the narrator?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The chapter titled "The Movie" is very significant in understanding how the German people came to be active Jew persecutors or at the very least placidly compliant in the slaughter and persecution of Jews. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research the movie Sweet Jew and do a critical analysis of the content.

2. Research the history of the German film industry from its internationally acclaimed status in the early part of the 20th century to its decline in quality when it began being used by the Nazi party for the dissemination of propaganda. Write an essay chronicling the changes.

3. How are movies still used to support and promote certain political or social agendas? Write an essay discussing this topic.

Essay Topic 2

In the chapter named "Grandfather," Grandfather inspects the hands before he will shake them and the bottoms of his shoes for proper polishing. He assumes the position at the head of the table and never fails to remind Father of his failure to take care of his family. Answer of the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How does the Grandfather attempt to control his son and his son's family? Give specific examples.

2. What do you think is the main reason for this attempt at control?

3. How do you think the grandfather's personality might be a metaphor for the "personality" of the Nazi regime?

Essay Topic 3

In the chapter titled "In the Department Store," after the boys have talked with Herr Schneider for a few minutes, and Schneider no longer smiles as he turns and waves. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. About what do the two boys and Herr Schneider?

2. What do you think is disturbing to Herr Schneider about the conversation?

3. What do you think motivates the narrator's father to join the Nazi party? Do you think he should join? Why or why not?

4. Do you think the narrator's father had any viable choice to do otherwise than join the party?

(see the answer keys)

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