Schindler’s List

Thomas Keneally

In the heart-wrenching and powerful novel “Schindler’s List,” author Thomas Keneally masterfully employs literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing to tell the extraordinary true story of Oskar Schindler and his heroic efforts to save the lives of countless Jews during the Holocaust. Brace yourself for a captivating journey through the depths of humanity and the triumph of compassion.

Themes 📚

1. Humanity and Compassion: One of the central themes in “Schindler’s List” is the exploration of humanity’s capacity for both unimaginable cruelty and profound compassion. The novel delves into the moral choices made by individuals in the face of extreme circumstances, highlighting how acts of kindness and empathy can make a profound difference in the lives of others.
2. Goodness in the Face of Evil: Another significant theme in the novel is the concept of finding goodness amidst overwhelming evil. Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, exemplifies this theme as he transforms from a profiteer exploiting Jewish labor to a man driven to save as many lives as possible, risking his own safety in the process.
3. The Holocaust and its Horrors: “Schindler’s List” confronts the horrors of the Holocaust head-on, emphasizing the devastating impact of Nazi ideology and the systematic persecution of Jews. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark period in history, forcing readers to confront the depths of human depravity.
4. Power and Corruption: The theme of power and corruption is woven throughout the narrative, highlighting how individuals in positions of authority can abuse their power for personal gain or perpetrate acts of cruelty. The contrast between Schindler, who uses his influence to save lives, and Amon Goeth, a sadistic SS officer, underscores this theme.
5. Redemption and Guilt: The novel explores themes of redemption and guilt, as characters grapple with their roles in the Holocaust. Schindler, haunted by his initial indifference, seeks redemption by saving lives, while others struggle with guilt over their complicity or inability to help.
6. Loss and Survival: “Schindler’s List” portrays the profound loss experienced by the Jewish community during the Holocaust, as families are torn apart and lives are shattered. The theme of survival emerges as characters endure unthinkable hardships, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
7. Memory and Remembrance: The novel emphasizes the importance of memory and remembrance, as it strives to ensure that the atrocities committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten. By recounting the story of Schindler and the lives he saved, the novel serves as a testament to the importance of bearing witness and preserving history.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: Symbolism is used throughout “Schindler’s List” to convey deeper meanings and emotions. For example, the red coat worn by the little girl in the film adaptation symbolizes innocence amidst the surrounding devastation, serving as a stark reminder of the loss of childhood innocence during the Holocaust.
2. Imagery: Imagery is employed to create vivid and evocative descriptions in the novel. The author uses sensory details to paint a haunting picture of the atrocities and suffering experienced by the Jewish people, making the reader emotionally connect with the narrative.
3. Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is utilized to hint at future events and build suspense. Keneally subtly foreshadows the escalating violence and impending danger faced by the Jews, creating a sense of anticipation and foreboding throughout the story.
4. Irony: Irony is used to highlight contrasts and reveal the absurdity of certain situations. An example of irony in the novel is the juxtaposition of Oskar Schindler’s factory, a supposed place of labor and production, becoming a refuge and sanctuary for Jewish workers.
5. Flashbacks: Flashbacks are employed to provide important background information and context. In “Schindler’s List,” flashbacks are used to reveal the pre-war lives of Schindler and the Jewish people he later saves, offering a glimpse into their experiences before the horrors of the Holocaust.
6. Allusion: Allusion is used to reference historical events, figures, or texts. The novel contains allusions to real-life Nazi officers, such as Amon Goeth, as well as historical events related to the Holocaust, deepening the authenticity and historical context of the narrative.
7. Parallelism: Parallelism is utilized to draw comparisons and create meaningful connections between characters and events. The novel presents parallel stories of Schindler’s transformation and the transformation of the Jewish workers, emphasizing the shared journey of growth and survival.
8. Metaphor: Metaphor is used to convey complex ideas through figurative language. For instance, Schindler’s factory is metaphorically depicted as a sanctuary amidst a sea of chaos and despair, representing a glimmer of hope and salvation for the Jewish workers.
9. Dialogue: Dialogue is employed to reveal characters’ thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Through dialogue, the novel captures the tension, fear, and resilience of the Jewish community, as well as the conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by Schindler.
10. Repetition: Repetition is used to emphasize key themes and motifs throughout the novel. Certain phrases or descriptions are repeated, reinforcing the impact of these elements and creating a sense of continuity and resonance.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
1. “Itzhak Stern, accountant to a number of local businessmen…”	Stern’s introduction suggests his future key role in helping Schindler save lives.
2. “Amon Goeth… was charged with setting up the Plaszow labor camp…”	This foreshadows the horrors that will occur under Goeth’s brutal administration.
3. “Schindler, though hard-drinking and hard-driving, was not naturally murderous.”	This implies Schindler’s future role in rescuing many Jews from the Holocaust.

2. Metaphor

Example	Explanation
1. “Oskar was a grand lighthouse casting beams of good will.”	Schindler is metaphorically described as a lighthouse, highlighting his role in guiding and saving many lives.
2. “The ghetto was a pit of quicksand that swallowed people whole.”	This metaphor illustrates the inescapable, deadly nature of the ghettos.
3. “The factory was an ark of safety in a world gone mad.”	The factory is compared to Noah’s ark, signifying it as a sanctuary amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.

3. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
1. Schindler’s List	The list symbolizes life and hope for those who were chosen to work in Schindler’s factory, as it meant survival in a time of mass genocide.
2. The Girl in the Red Coat	This girl symbolizes innocence amidst the brutal reality of the Holocaust, highlighting the extreme loss of innocent lives.
3. Schindler’s Ring	The ring, inscribed with a phrase from the Talmud, symbolizes the appreciation and recognition of Schindler’s heroic deeds by the Jews he saved.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
1. Schindler’s Motivations	Schindler starts off as a businessman seeking to profit from the war, but ironically ends up spending his entire fortune to save lives.
2. Nazi Officers	The Nazi officers, who are supposed to uphold law and order, ironically commit the worst crimes against humanity.
3. The Factory	The factory, initially a place of exploitation for Schindler’s profit, ironically becomes a haven for Jews.

5. Imagery

Example	Explanation
1. “A girl, no more than six, her coat a patch of red against the snow…”	This vivid image of the girl in the red coat stands out amidst the monochrome horror of the Holocaust.
2. “Armed men stood around smoking, laughing, lighting the cigarettes of the women…”	This horrific scene illustrates the sadistic pleasure the Nazis took in the violence they perpetrated.
3. “The bricks, the windows, were dusted a fondant pink by winter dawn…”	The peaceful imagery contrasts sharply with the terror and violence that take place within the ghetto.

FAQs 💭