Humanity
The evolution of humanity and the instinctual human nature every person has inside of them is a recurring theme of the novel. The main focus of this theme is discussing whether or not humans are good and whether or not humanity can be either changed to adapt to changing circumstances, or made to come out of the person more or less than before. The primary example of this theme can be seen with the Kaiser himself. Despite being exiled, he is well aware of the Nazis and the actions they commit against other people. Kaiser Wilhelm II despises how the Nazis treat Jewish children and the ruthlessness with which they kill them. This showcases the humanity inside of him, despite the fact that he was a previous ruler of Germany and was also an anti-Semite. However, the other portion of this theme is also highlighted when it shows the Kaiser trying to get back into the good books of the Nazis, so he might get a chance to reclaim the throne. We see a lack of humanity at this point in the novel because Kaiser Wilhelm II is ignoring the horrific actions of the Nazis for his own personal benefit.
Duty
One theme that can be seen throughout the novel is the concept of duty and whether or not each individual is obliged to perform their duty. This theme focuses on and characterizes duty as something each individual carries with them from the past; their previous ideologies, commitments, or relationships all represent the sense of duty that they have because they are supposed to adhere to those things. This theme then shifts to the idea of people breaking from this duty due to the circumstances or new evidence they face. Although this occurs throughout the book, the strongest example of this theme happens when Krebbs is caught in the dilemma between his duty to be faithful to Nazism and his fellow soldiers of the Germany army, or the willingness he has to protect the women he now loves. This conflict with duty represents a major focus of the novel and becomes a climatic peak for the plot.
Home and Loyalty
An important theme that is seen in this book is the idea of home and the fact that people will always feel the strongest attachment to the place where their "home" resides, despite the external circumstances they currently face. The book exemplified this theme by connecting the concept of home to the idea of loyalty, fusing these two things into a theme that reverberated throughout the novel. This theme can especially be seen with the character of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Kaiser had been born and raised in Britain where he felt most connected to the people, the culture, the land, and the sense of spirit. Although he does become the eventual ruler of Germany, when he is eventually removed from his post, his sentiments of loyalty towards his home start to rise up once more. This leads to the major plot movement of Prime Minister Winston Churchill attempting to persuade the Kaiser into seeking refuge in Britain and aiding their cause with military secrets. His home is in Britain and his loyalties lie there as well, a theme which helps develop significant plot points.
Uncertainty
This book strongly followed the theme of uncertainty through the majority of its pages. This theme occurs for multiple reasons. One reason is because the book takes place in the midst of World War II. People are unsure of their country's fate, the lives of their soldiers, and what will happen to them and their families. Each day nations topple while new empires rise from the ashes of the old sovereignty. Even within nations, countries face civil war and strife due to the extenuating circumstances of economic problems and military advancements. This entire historical basis is rooted in uncertainty and plays a major role in setting up the setting of the book as well as launching points for various characters. A strong example of this theme is Kaiser Wilhelm II losing his power as a king to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party that took control of Germany. Despite being the head of state, the one who commanded absolute power, and being from the revered royal family, he did not last. He was exiled to the Netherlands and this dramatic change showcased the idea of uncertainty and how life was uncertain for everyone, even the people who thought they could never be touched.
