Chapter 5, Herr Kremer and Fraulein Ilse, Part 4 Summary

Ernie goes to meet Ilse as he does every day by the Schlosse. The sight of her lightens his heart and prompts him to kiss her cheek. Hans Schliemann sees and is incensed that Ilse would allows this. Ernie is attacked by the gang of boys who are still angry at his passive acceptance of punishment, which had confused their values. It is Ernie's gentleness that confuses them. The boys pummel and humiliate Ernie. When they pull his pants down, Ernie finally fights back. The boys run off, and as Ernie turns to Ilse, she, too, runs. Ernie is totally humiliated.

Chapter 5, Herr Kremer and Fraulein Ilse, Part 4 Analysis

Ernie's treatment at the hands of first his teacher and then the gang of boys he goes to school with is at...