Kaiser's Helmet
The Kaiser's helmet that used to adorn is head is almost the same as a crown. It is symbolic of the power he used to hold over the German people and represents the dignified and civilized manner of a royal. This helmet is a symbol of Kaiser Wilhelm II's past as ruler of Germany and is constantly positioned at times where the Kaiser and his wife are reminiscing about his past. It is symbolic of the glory and power he once held and is a channel that shows how the Kaiser wishes to regain that power once more.
SS Officer Uniform
The SS Officer Uniform is the standard green or black uniform that the officers wear, and it is one feared and hated throughout the European continent. Held to the highest standard of cleanliness in the book, these uniforms represent the vile workings of the SS Officers as well as their brutal methods of extermination and their principle ideology, Nazism. During the beginning of the novel, Krebbs is seen constantly wearing this uniform and proud to have it, symbolic for his loyalty and appreciation for the Third Reich. However, as the book progresses, he cares about it less and less and even forms a relationship of disgust at the uniform, symbolic of his changing mindset.
Love Overcoming Hate
The idea of love overcoming hate is a recurring motif that is present in Alan Judd's novel. This mainly equates out to the idea that despite all the prejudices, uncertainties, or fears that an individual may hold of someone or something, usually in abstract concepts, they can overcome these hatreds through love of that specific someone or something and that love will prove to be a stronger and more resilient force in the end. A clear example of this can be seen in the relationship between Krebbs and Akki. Akki is a British woman and a Jewish lady. Krebbs is part of the German army, who are at war with the British and want to destroy them and everything they stand for. The Third Reich also is bent on the extermination of Jewish people and Krebbs has a dislike for them as well. However, Krebbs falls in love with Akki before knowing these traits and even after he finds out about her, he still loves her and runs away with her. This is a clear example of the motif of love overcoming hate.
Winston Churchill's Cane
The British Prime Minister's walking cane is a symbol in this novel and is representative of the British influence on Kaiser Wilhelm II as well as the fervent persuadings of the British government for the Kaiser to seek refuge in Britain. The Kaiser was born and raised in Britain, which is his homeland, and has always held a soft spot for the country in his heart, despite later becoming the ruler of Germany. The thought of Winston Churchill's walking cane often appears in the novel during times when the Kaiser is pondering about Britain, and represents how much Britain is connected to him. It is also increasingly used towards the end of the novel when Winston Churchill attempts to convince him to seek asylum in Great Britain, and is symbolic for that idea of running back home.
Kaiser's Wife
Kaiser Wilhelm II's wife herself is not too important as a character in the novel but the role she plays in the story represents an important and repetitive motif. She represents the idea of the former power and glory the Kaiser once had as the royal monarch of his country. This is evident in the book when she continuously persuades him to take back the throne, whispering to him to be friendly with the Nazis so he can regain dominance and become king once more. Her desperate ambition and greed despite the overwhelming odds represents that recurring idea of the Kaiser going back to his throne.
