Self-respect and human dignity
The author gives the reader much to reflect on, portraying how effortlessly a society can forget about other person’s right for human dignity. Under what condition this right could be violated? Not only the press, but many other people prove that as soon as one gets under suspicion, his/her position in the society may never be certain again. The protagonist of the story, Katharina Blum, is almost deprived of the right for human dignity, courtesy of the News and false accusations, but manages to keep her self-respect.
Love
There is no doubt that love is an extremely powerful feeling, which can easily change lives of people in many different ways. This story portrays various types of love: mutual love, one-side love, simple affection etc. There is also evidence that love doesn’t always enhance the best traits of one’s character. When Katharina Blum and Huber Blorna are ready to sacrifice what they have for love, Alois Sträubleder can easily cast aside his feelings if they threat his high position in the society.
The freedom of the press
Any democratic society can’t exist without the freedom of the press. Journalists are supposed to be unprejudiced, watchful and, of course, absolutely honest and thought that the freedom of the press can be used as a tool of propaganda is rather disturbing. The story of Katharina Blum is not a harmless gossip from the yellow newspaper. A reader may notice how journalists claim that Blum is a communist, increasing hysteria in the society, and not giving any proof of it. The freedom of the press could be easily used as a disguise that hides false accusations and propaganda, because people don’t recheck facts they read in the news. The author shows that the freedom of the press is not about speaking openly, but speaking frankly and taking responsibility for each word.
Abuse
Katharina Blum’s story provokes many people to behave irrationally. She starts receiving anonymous threat letters, threat calls, her name is constantly tarnished. The protagonist becomes a scapegoat with no voice and no right for mercy. The problem of the society which is portrayed in the story is that it is quick to judge. Katharina is constantly harassed by the News in the book, and her image quickly shifts from one of good repute to one who is inhumane and mentally ill.
