The powerful difference one person can make
- Oskar risked his life and lost his wealth and comfort for the sake of his Jewish workers
- Restored the Jews' faith in humanity and gave them chance to live (an invaluable gift)
- Without Oskar, thousands of descendants of Schindlerjuden wouldn't be alive today
- Never underestimate the impact that one person can have on the world
- “ ‘He who saves a single life saves the world entire.’ ” (Keneally 368)
Violence, Hatred, and Dehumanization
- Bloodshed of WWII and the Holocaust
- Jews viewed as subhuman or diseases that needed to be gotten rid of
- Jews lived in fear of being killed and never knowing whether they'd see peaceful times again
- Reveals dangerous consequences of allowing racism, prejudice attitudes, and ignorant views to exist
- “From November 1, said Hans Frank, it would be possible for the Germans of Cracow to breathe ‘good German air,’ walk abroad without seeing the streets and lanes ‘crawling with Jews.’ ” (Keneally 73).
POWER AND CORRUPTION
- Oskar treated the workers of his labour camp with respect and dignity
- Amon instilled fear into his workers
- Nazi Party abused power for mission of eliminating inferior people so that superior Germans (Aryans) could rule
- Took advantage of power
- Brings into question whether having real power means forcing others to obey or earning their respect
- Power should be used to make positive contributions instead of for selfish gains
Virtue
- Oskar had dishonourable side to him
- Moral side able to grow with help of Itzhak Stern through his efforts to save Jewish lives
- Viewed his workers as humans who deserved to live rather than means of making money
- Became symbol of hope and saviour for Jews
- Corrupted ideas of morals which led to many Germans condemning Oskar's work
- Demonstrates that although someone may be flawed, they still have potential to do good
VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE
- Jews lived in constant fear of being killed and fought to survive amidst evil
- Took extreme measures to ensure that they avoided death
- Illustrates how valuable a human life is which is something most people don't realize until the end
- “ ‘An hour of life is still life.’ ” (Keneally 142)