Schindler's List Ethical Analysis Essay

A film bursting with visual and emotional stimuli, the in-depth character transformation of Oscar Schindler in Schindler’s List is a beautiful focal point of the film. Riddled with internal conflict and ethical despair, Schindler challenges his Nazi Party laws when he is faced with continuing his ambitious business ideas or throwing it all away for the lives of those he once saw as solely cheap labor. Confronted with leading a double life and hiding his motivations from those allegiant to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, Schindler undergoes numerous ethical dilemmas that ultimately shape his identity and challenge his humanity. As a descendent of a Jewish-American, Yiddish speaking World War II soldier who helped liberate concentration camps in Poland, this film allowed for an enhanced personal

During the occupation of the Krakow Ghetto, Jews were being separated into “essential” and “non-essential” categories. Individuals selected for the “non-essential” category were to be shipped off to concentration camps. Originally completed by a Jewish accountant recruited by Schindler, “non-essential” workers were being designated as “essential” workers for Schindler’s business. Realizing he was unknowingly hiring unfit employees, Schindler berated the accountant for devising the plan and jeopardizing his profits. This incident is where Schindler is faced with his first ethical dilemma; by taking away the employment of unfit individuals, he is sentencing them to certain death, but if he allows them to remain, he is endangering future profits. By allowing the unqualified employees to stay, viewers can see a shift in his inner workings, and also a light is shown on his humanity. Furthermore, his reputation for forgiveness and mercy begins to bud, as does his slow separation from Nazi Party