Chapter 3, Stillenstadt, Part 7 Summary

Benjamin's second son, Ernie, is even more puny than Moritz and is too small and insignificant for his grandmother to notice. A strange bond develops between Ernie and his grandfather and Ernie imitates his grandfather. Mordecai tells Ernie about the Just Man Legacy, but Ernie does not believe the stories, which devastes Mordecai. At school, Ernie wins many awards. Judith does not approve of Ernie reading fairy tales, but Benjamin defends Ernie. Ernie "becomes" a part of the story.

Chapter 3, Stillenstadt, Part 7 Analysis

Ernie is a mystery to his family. Mother Judith calls him her little angel, not understanding his desire to read stories that transport him. Fraulein Blumenthal simply wishes to have him as her own as a trophy against the Levys. Benjamin is seemingly indifferent to the boy. Only Mordecai sees in Ernie that possibility that at...