Essay Questions

Show how instability as a theme is brought out in The German Girl. What role does it play in the lives of Hannah and Leo?

Hannah and Leo are both forced to live their homeland as a result of the Nazi invasion. While their lives had been quite stable, reliable, and virtually deep-rooted, this is broken and dissolved as the two move to Cuba aboard Saint Louis. Hannah and Leo become moved away from the kind of life that they both had been accustomed to and, as such, have to depend on each other for stability. The instability that the two endure plays a role in enhancing their relationship, which is basically impulsive and based absolutely on circumstances. This relationship provides a temporary sense of relief from the overwhelming lack of knowledge of the future.

Show how misbelief affects Hannah’s life in The German Girl.

Hannah and her folks had been used to a life dotted with privilege while living in Germany. However, the situation changes, and she is forced to leave. Aboard the ship to Cuba, the girl is seen to entertain certain misconceptions about life. On the ship, the people party and enjoy themselves a situation that causes Hannah to think that her troubles are virtually over, this is basically a case of delusion. When she discovers the truth about the life that she is going to live away from privilege, Hannah’s delusion and disbelief are shattered.