Reading Blog 5

Reading Blog 5
Schindler's Ark
Text Type: Extended written text

‘Schindler’s Ark’ written by Thomas Kenelly is a historical fiction novel that is about a man named Oskar Schindler, a Nazi party member who throughout the book becomes an unlikely hero to 1,200 Jews. He is a self-made entrepreneur who finds himself saving the Jews from the Nazi death machine.

Knowing that the novel is based on a true story, restores my faith in humanity. Even though there were men like Hitler back then there were also men like Schindler who although was a Nazi still helped Jews from the kindness of his heart. Just because he was Nzai it didn’t mean that he had to follow the evil ways of their leader in the 20th century. Oskar saved 1,200 Jews and even though he thought it wasn’t enough it showed how big his heart was and how much he was willing to risk for the sake of others. “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” a quote engraved into a ring that was gifted to Schindler by Itzhak Stern on behalf of the Jews, as a small token of their appreciation, knowing that there is no way they could repay the gift of life. This shows us that change starts with one and something can be done even in the worst of times. The Jews want Schindler to know by saving them he has saved humanity.

Reading the book I find it so amazing what the power from one person can accomplish. Schindler used his power to save those in need, Jews. Whereas Amon Goeth used his power to kill Jews and shoot them from his balcony for no reason. Although Schindler could be as greedy and self-absorbed as Goeth he knew it wasn’t right to kill people just because of their religion. I felt disgusted by the amount of hate Goeth had towards the Jews and how he uses his power to kill them just because he can. Oskar explains to Goeth that “Power is when we have every justification to kill, and we don’t”. Goeth is drunk to try and Schindler is trying to make him understand that violence and power is not the same thing. Goeth tries to follow his advice the next day but finds himself failing, this showing the difference between the two men use their power.