Chapters 56-60 Summary

Chapter 56 is entitled "The Good Nazi (2)." Günter Weber has been ordered to round up and execute the Italian soldiers on Cephallonia, including Captain Corelli and his friends from the singing group. Weber goes to his commanding officer and formally requests to be excused from the order because he feels it is illegal. The Italians are prisoners of war, he says, and it is against war conventions to kill them. His commander admires him for his principles, but explains that if he does not follow the order he will himself be shot.

Meanwhile, Corelli and his men are taken by truck to the impromptu firing range where they are to be executed. Some are weeping and crying, knowing they are about to be killed, and Corelli suggests they all sing. Carlo begins with an improvised song and others join in, singing...