Chapter+09

= **Chapter 9: To Gain the Future** =

Memorable Passages:
“They loved the city’s dazzle. Its ornately gilded movie houses, complete with organs and orchestras, with lines of people waiting to enter, even for the morning and afternoon showings. Its nighttime cabarets, bars, brothels, and casinos, all flashing electric lights, drew patrons like moths.” (p.176)

“The demon was not Hitler. It was me” (p.173)

“Things will get even better. Then the Hitlers and the Ludendorffs, the anti-Semites and the war mongers, and the wild-eyed communist and the revolutionaries will be talking to empty halls.” (p.189)

Summary:
Johann explains how it’s human nature to blame others for their problems. He also speaks of how the demons were the people following Hitler, not Hitler himself. Johann begins to search within himself to find who he really is. While doing so he realizes that his childhood life is gone and wont return. The reader learns of Johann’s dreams to have his family worshipped like royalty, and his dreams to restore Germany to its old culture. These dreams are the reasons for him going to Hitler’s ideas. On the other hand, Philipp and Christine had moved to Berlin. Philipp planned to open his own clinic. Philipp had also seen an article written by Luise, because of which he decided to write her a letter to congratulate her. Later he decided to meet up with a co-worker and his wife. While on the way he was imitating an ape. He over did it, which led to a confrontation with another man. When they finally got to their destination Philipp and Christine met up with the Gerschenkrons. They went to the Kempinski, where they released and exchanged their political views. Afterwards they ate dinner. When Philipp and Christine were returning home they were talking bout plans to open a new clinic with the Gerschenkrons. =Characters:= Philipp- 182- "Then Philipp took his antics to another level. Seeing the kiosk behind them... he monkey-walked backwards, stopping directly in front of a waist-high campaign poster for Hitler. Philipp bend over, his butt a few inches away from the Fuhrer's nose, and did his money-dance, arms swinging, hooting and laughing." This passage demonstrates Philipp's deep disrespect and loathing of Hitler as well as his sense of humor.

Short, Balding Man- 182- Store owner who scolds Philipp for his act of defiance against the Fuhrer. "'There ought to be a place for you and your ilk! A prison. Worse. You defile this country! You are a crazy man! Asshole!'"

Benjamin Gerschenkron- 184- senior physician in Philipp's policlinic, a Jew who decides he and his wife must leave the Vaterland because their lives are in danger.

Martha Gerschenkron- 185- Benjamin's wife, converted to Judaism shortly before she married which causes Philipp to question Christine's loyalty because he did not convert.

Vocab:

 * Exuberance** (182)- joy


 * Defile** (183)- make foul


 * Orate** (183)- lecture


 * Zither** (186)- German musical instrument


 * Gilded** (176)- gold plated


 * Giddy** (176)- filled with elation


 * Brothel** (176)- house of ill repute


 * Burgeoning** (179)- expanding


 * Simultaneously** (182)- at the same time


 * Bodega** (186)- traditionally Spanish style mini mart or a quaint club-esque building

Key Historical Concepts/ Events:
Hitler- 173- Johann tells in his letter how "the demon was not Hitler. It was me." Meaning, though Hitler was blamed for the actions of the Nazis, everyone who chose to join the party and act against humanity was making their own decision and were demons in their own right. Berlin- 176- "The city itself seemed alive, defying other living things to catch up with it. Electric lights everywhere. Trains coming and going day and night. Tourists gawking on the boulevards and thronging to the sideshows in the alleys." More historical descriptions of Berlin on page 176. Rise of Nazis-179- "He saw the open trucks with brown-shirted SA men making their rounds, their loudspeakers roaring hatred of Jews and communists." More about the Nazis on page 179.