Analysis of "The True Story of Hansel and Gretel"

It was said by an anonymous author, that war changes the inherently good and unique spirit of the human race into the brute savages that they once had been. In The True Story of Hansel and Gretel characters have never known freedom from this war torn Europe. Bloodshed and violence are all that these characters have lived with and therefore we see no other traits other than those that are a direct result of these unfortunate and gruesome circumstances. Throughout this book, the actions of Major Frankel, although looked upon as always evil, give the reader a sense that before these atrocities were committed he had an inherently good heart.

The character of Major Frankel offers a unique paradox not seen in any of the other characters within this book. This scarred and battle torn man from the front lines of Russia knows how he is expected to act, but through his actions we see that there is an internal conflict that he experiences. He must live up to the Aryan philosophy, but I think that in his heart, he is a good, just man. The scars of war, both physical and emotional, have changed this once presumably kind- hearted man and I think that by helping these poor, defenseless people against the steel hand of the Oberfuhrer he finds solace and redemption for all of the evil things he has done throughout his lifetime.

Hansel and Gretel first meet the major on their trip to the village for their ration cards. Major Frankel "was wearing a tunic cinched tight with a leather belt, and the tunic wasn't very clean. He had mud on his boots like everyone in the village, and only his shoulder patches told his rank" (Murphy 66). Gretel noticed that he had a "patch that partly covered a scar of shiny red skin, " and that his other...

... middle of paper ...

...at he is scarred both physically and mentally from all of his experiences, but through all of the violence and hatred, his kindness, integrity, and sympathy can still shine through, however mild and diluted it may be.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "The real and lasting victories are those of peace, love and the human spirit, not of war," and I think that this quote personifies the true underlying meaning of this book. Major Frankel, through his actions, or lack of actions, helps to give these children a chance at life, and in a round-about, circuitous way, ultimately impacts the lives of these people for as long as they continue to live. This book is not about war, this book is about the characters, from the Mechanik to Major Frankel, through these characters we are told of personal victories and loving relationships that no single war could ever override.