Author Bernhard Schlink symbolizes the fragmentation of the generations during and
after the war. He does this through his characters, and their inner weaknesses. Hanna,
the woman twice the age of 15 year old Michael, represents the parents’ generation while Michael, the later generation. Schlink’s symbol of Hitler’s generation through Hanna is illuminated through her character’s illiteracy. She could not comprehend reading, or her prior actions- just as Nazis did not understand the consequences of their own actions of destroying a human population. As these two generations collide, conflicts arise and ambiguous unresolved tensions and issues do too. Michael also feels isolated from his own generation while coming together with Hanna. He says of his peers had disassociated themselves from their parents, AKA the generation of perpetrators. Simultaneously blind to their actions and acceptance of those actions. How is shame to be overcome? This was a very interesting book in ways of deciphering this debate. Responsibility and moral regard are major themes in this book, however, the major idea is one of guilt and excuses for actions. I cannot justify the act of torturing an innocent person with any kind of excuse. It is still so fascinating to see different perspectives before finding out the cold hard facts which are startling. While Hanna represents Nazi Germany, and Michael everyone else, the two together are interesting symbols for what Schlink was getting at in his book.