In our modern society, power is a concept that people dream about having, in different aspects of their lives. Whether it is at work, or simply in front of a group of people, power can show itself under different skins. In the case of Schindler’s List, the famously known novel written by Thomas Keneally, power is a theme that haunts many of the characters life. Schindler’s list tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a businessman whom throughout World War II, helped hundreds of Jews to escape the hands of the Nazi, by keeping them under his wing, in his factories and even fighting for them on numerous account. In this novel, power manifests itself often, whether it is in evil form or with good intentions. From the bribery used by Schindler, to
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Throughout the book, Schindler often bribes SS officials in order to get things done. As said in the book, “Biberstein and his council believed on principle that the Jews who were expelled from Cracow would end up in worse places, and so they decided to fall back on an ancient stratagem: bribery” (52) By using bribery, he demonstrates the power that money has over people. For instance, when he finds himself in prison, not only once, but twice, he manages to get out because of the higher ranking officials whom he had bribed in the past. Furthermore, Schindler uses bribery to help the Jewish community he took under his wing to get out of many situation that could’ve lead to their death. Last but not least, the inmates themself also use bribery to get out of certain tasks, thus somehow showing the small amount of power they have. Marcel Goldberg, one of Plaszow camp worker, was “known to prisoners already that (he) would take bribes” (208). He used those bribes to alter names on Schindler’s list, showing that with money, some fortunate member of the Jewish community were able to get their names on that list that would eventually save their life. In conclusion, monetary power is a vital concept of the book, because it is what helps Schindler save the lives of Jews and helps him achieve his
Throughout the book, Schindler often bribes SS officials in order to get things done. As said in the book, “Biberstein and his council believed on principle that the Jews who were expelled from Cracow would end up in worse places, and so they decided to fall back on an ancient stratagem: bribery” (52) By using bribery, he demonstrates the power that money has over people. For instance, when he finds himself in prison, not only once, but twice, he manages to get out because of the higher ranking officials whom he had bribed in the past. Furthermore, Schindler uses bribery to help the Jewish community he took under his wing to get out of many situation that could’ve lead to their death. Last but not least, the inmates themself also use bribery to get out of certain tasks, thus somehow showing the small amount of power they have. Marcel Goldberg, one of Plaszow camp worker, was “known to prisoners already that (he) would take bribes” (208). He used those bribes to alter names on Schindler’s list, showing that with money, some fortunate member of the Jewish community were able to get their names on that list that would eventually save their life. In conclusion, monetary power is a vital concept of the book, because it is what helps Schindler save the lives of Jews and helps him achieve his