"Conversation on the Stairs (1933)" Summary

Resch meets Schneider on the second-floor landing and demands to speak with him. He rings the narrator's bell and demands the narrator's father witness what he is about to say. Resch gives the Schneiders notice to vacate their apartment. Witnessing this, neither boy understands anything. Schneider and the narrator's father both protest Resch has no right to do this, as laws protect tenants. The narrator's father refuses to act as witness and slams his door. Schneider begs for time to find another apartment and asks why Schneider is doing this. "Because you are a Jew!" is the answer, as the landlord stamps downstairs.

"Conversation on the Stairs (1933)" Analysis

This scene sets up a test of whether Jews can be turned out of their homes. The narrator's father turns brave in refusing to witness the eviction...