Abuse
One of the major themes in the narrative is abuse. The main character, Katharina, is constantly abused by those around her because of her connection with a man the authorities have labeled as being a "terrorist". Because of her involvement with Ludwig, Katharina is persecuted by the authorities and by the press emotionally, physically and mentally. Katharina is shown being pushed around, slapped and locked into filthy cells by the police men while being accused of being a terrorist without the police offering any shred of truth. This media attack, which can also be characterized as being an abuse, changes Katharina's life to such an extent she is no longer able to live a normal happy life. This form of abuse has devastating consequences for every character in the film, their lives being irreparably destroyed.
The power of the press
The most powerful authority in the film is not presented as being the police force or the secret services following the major charters around every moment of the day but the press, meaning the reporter who, through their writings were successful in destroying the characters' lives. Katharina is pushed to the brink of insanity by the press, being forced to read every day the lies they were constantly writing about her and to deal with the public scrutiny and being pushed to the side by the society in which she lived in. This was for her more painful than having to deal with the physical abuse from the police and was the ultimate force which pushed her to commit murder.
Love gives power
Katharina was subjected to horrible abuse coming from the police, the press and the general public. Still, even though her situation was dire, she managed for a short period of time to maintain her composure and not let herself be crushed by what she was experiencing. Her decision not to give up were the result of her love and affection for Ludwig and the faith Ludwig was feeling something similar for her as well. This love helped Katharina get through the worst period of her life and gave her the power to stand up to those who were abusing her.
