Hitler's Innocence

Adolf Hitler is an important character in both The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Book Thief who, despite offhanded mentions and only one scene in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, plays a vital role in the background. His innocence is indirectly regarded about throughout both stories. Likewise, his mindset is also innocent, he believes that through his actions, his Germany could be reborn once again. His passion for ‘a better Germany’ combined with his innocence is what makes him turn a blind eye towards the punishments towards Jews. His dream of a ‘Master Race’ was built upon the economic depression that Germany was suffering after the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Hitler’s passion raised up Germany once again, but after he started the extermination of Jews, his innocence took place. Although many consider his actions to be inhumane towards human beings, his innocence is what drove him to be so passionate for a ‘better Germany’. He was very loyal to Germany, swearing to only deliver the best for the country, or at least, in his eyes. People soon started worshipping Hitler for his deeds in bringing Germany back to life again, they kissed the soil that he stood upon, they loved him, but he hid what was really going on behind the scenes with executions. He executed his army generals every time a mission had failed, and historians believe today that it was his biggest downfall. He also believed that through exterminating Jews that he was getting rid of Germany’s disease and that a new Germany could be born through his dictatorship. His steadfast determination and extremist values are signs of his innocence, showing the actions he would allow in order for a “perfect Germany”. Clearly blind or at least unmoved by the suffering and plight of the people he discriminated against.