Essay Questions

How does the author depict the imagery of seclusion to the reader?

The author paints the image of Henrick’s loneliness when the reader learns more about his failed marriage. Despite being known as an unpalatable man living in solicitude, Henrick invites a stranger for dinner. However, the stranger turns out to be his old ally, Konrad. From their conversation, the reader realizes that Henrick divorced his wife many years ago and he has been living in seclusion. The main reason why he left his wife is Konrad who tried to seduce her in his presence. Therefore, these revelations paint a picture of Henrick's seclusion throughout his life.

How does the theme of obstinate conventionalism manifest itself in the book Embers?

The author uses the character, Henrick, to develop the theme of obstinate conventionalism. Henrik is a retired soldier who has refused to embrace modernity. He has decided to lock himself in traditional rules and he hates participating in any modernity event. He considers contemporary society unfit because he does not like what it does. When Henrick reunites with Konrad, he forces him to reconcile the events that took place between them four decades ago. Henrick lives in the past and this has made him remain locked in the rigid traditionalism culture.

Why did Henrik detest Konrad so much for the rest of his life?

Henrik and Konrad were great childhood friends and they went to the same school. However, the two had different personalities and aspirations. Naturally, Henrik was destined to be a soldier. Konrad also wanted to be a soldier but it was something that he wanted to force. Therefore, that is where their envy started. Things between these two friends became sour when they matured. Henrik found Konrad making sexual advances to his wife and that made these two friends part ways. Later, Henrik divorced his wife on grounds that she was unfaithful.