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Konradin Von Hohenfels Essay

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When the character of Konradin von Hohenfels is introduced, an immediate assumption that is made about him is that he is probably snobby. He is portrayed as happy, if not a bit distant from the rest of the boys in his age group, “What struck us was his grace and elegance, and slight trace of a smile.” (1) However, he is later described as always extremely polite, and does not act haughty at all, “But he never gave the smallest impression of snobbery. Unlike us, he was always extremely polite, even holding the door when someone wanted to leave.” (3) This tells the reader that he is eager to make a good impression for himself, that was separate from the name of his noble family. Nevertheless, Konradin is seen as distant, with many of the boys being afraid of him (3), …show more content…

But Konradin’s motives seem to only be focused on preserving their friendship. “You are my only friend. If you want the truth then you shall have it.” (6) Konradin subsequently tells him that, although he disagrees with it, his family believes in the ideologies of Hitler. Whilst he was trying to save his friendship, the fact that his parents did not want Hans to exist, ruined the only friendship he had (6). Konradin realizes that there is little left of his friendship with Hans, and does nothing to prevent the loss of it. It seems as if Konradin was trying to distance himself from Hans so that his friend would be spared from his family. Before Hans left for America, Konradin gave Hans a letter. The letter expresses his sadness at the fact that his friend is leaving, but tells him that he is wise to do so. Konradin explains that he believes in Hitler’s idea of a better Germany. He then says that Hans should only leave for a few years and then return, because Konradin can see no reason why Hans should not return when everything has settled down. He claims to believe in the cause, but his later actions prove otherwise. It seems as of Konradin is trying to tell him that Hitler will go away in a few

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