Human Cruelty vs. Self Sacrifice

One of the most notorious practices in Germany during World War II was the cruelty practiced against the Jews. Hitler felt that Jews were a vile race and needed to be eradicated from the world. As a result, many laws were passed making it impossible for Jews to make a living or to receive simple services such as clothing and food. When the war began, Hitler formed concentration camps and began arresting Jews, putting them in these camps where they would be put to death or forced to work.

Hans does not agree with Hitler's policies against Jews. However, it is social suicide to allow anyone to know how he really feels. Hans learns this when he paints the door of a Jewish neighbor after someone paints derogatory phrases on it. Hans loses many of his customers and finds himself having to scrape the...