International Baccalaureate
Research Question: Through what means does Schlink successfully represent the
dependence of the protagonists as symbols of the first and second generation in The
Reader?
Candidate number: 006145 0008
Subject: English Language A – Literature
HL English Essay
Word Count: 1,499
, In The Reader, Schlink presents the protagonists Michael and Hanna to be heavily
dependent upon each other. Set in post-Nazi Germany, Schlink explores these characters to
be symbols of the first and second-generation. The first-generation refers to adults living
during the Nazi regime, and the second-generation refers to children that grew up in its
aftermath and is often characterised by unresolved or complicated emotions.1 By splitting
the novel into three sections, in which the protagonists’ physical circumstances and form of
dependence constantly changes, Schlink gives the reader an insight into the complex
relationship between these groups. In part one, Schlink shows the confusing nature of cross-
generational relationships through the blurred emotional boundaries between Hanna and
Michael – which both benefit them yet causes them pain. In part two, the relationship is
problematised, with narrator Michael’s internal conflict conveying the difficulty the second-
generation face, due to their emotional reliance upon the first. In part three, Michael
becomes consciously aware of his dependence, and this improves his sense of self and
deepens their connection, which happens symbolically after Hanna’s death. For second
generation individuals, in the aftermath of the Holocaust, the desire to belong was
particularly prominent.2 Thus, Schlink’s hopeful closing sentiment that the second
generation could move forward, with recognition and awareness, would have been
reassuring to German readers.3 Schlink’s presentation of the complex relationship between
1 Michael Quirke, “Intergenerational Trauma: Recongnize these Signs and Symptoms”, Michael G. Quirke,
accessed Dec 31, 2021. https://michaelgquirke.com/recognize-these-intergenerational-trauma-signs-
symptoms/
2 Fiona MacDonald, “How the Children of Nazi Germany Remember World War Two”, BBC Culture, Jan 23,
2018, accessed Dec 17, 2021. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180123-how-the-children-of-nazi-
germany-remember-world-war-two
3 Alix Kirsta, “The trauma of second-generation Holocaust survivors ", The Guardian, Mar 15, 2014, accessed
Dec 4, 2021. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/15/trauma-second-generation-holocaust-
survivors
Research Question: Through what means does Schlink successfully represent the
dependence of the protagonists as symbols of the first and second generation in The
Reader?
Candidate number: 006145 0008
Subject: English Language A – Literature
HL English Essay
Word Count: 1,499
, In The Reader, Schlink presents the protagonists Michael and Hanna to be heavily
dependent upon each other. Set in post-Nazi Germany, Schlink explores these characters to
be symbols of the first and second-generation. The first-generation refers to adults living
during the Nazi regime, and the second-generation refers to children that grew up in its
aftermath and is often characterised by unresolved or complicated emotions.1 By splitting
the novel into three sections, in which the protagonists’ physical circumstances and form of
dependence constantly changes, Schlink gives the reader an insight into the complex
relationship between these groups. In part one, Schlink shows the confusing nature of cross-
generational relationships through the blurred emotional boundaries between Hanna and
Michael – which both benefit them yet causes them pain. In part two, the relationship is
problematised, with narrator Michael’s internal conflict conveying the difficulty the second-
generation face, due to their emotional reliance upon the first. In part three, Michael
becomes consciously aware of his dependence, and this improves his sense of self and
deepens their connection, which happens symbolically after Hanna’s death. For second
generation individuals, in the aftermath of the Holocaust, the desire to belong was
particularly prominent.2 Thus, Schlink’s hopeful closing sentiment that the second
generation could move forward, with recognition and awareness, would have been
reassuring to German readers.3 Schlink’s presentation of the complex relationship between
1 Michael Quirke, “Intergenerational Trauma: Recongnize these Signs and Symptoms”, Michael G. Quirke,
accessed Dec 31, 2021. https://michaelgquirke.com/recognize-these-intergenerational-trauma-signs-
symptoms/
2 Fiona MacDonald, “How the Children of Nazi Germany Remember World War Two”, BBC Culture, Jan 23,
2018, accessed Dec 17, 2021. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180123-how-the-children-of-nazi-
germany-remember-world-war-two
3 Alix Kirsta, “The trauma of second-generation Holocaust survivors ", The Guardian, Mar 15, 2014, accessed
Dec 4, 2021. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/15/trauma-second-generation-holocaust-
survivors
