Power of Music

Hawker uses the theme of the Power of Music to guide the protagonist, Anton, through his journey toward determining what is "right" in a time so morally grey, such as war. Music - as an artistic expression of life - existed before the Reich and exists far after the Reich falls apart. Music, therefore, is pure, good, omnipotent, and omnipresent in the story, and life in general. Though some of Anton’s life feels morally ambiguous - as he moves to a new town, marries for the first time, becomes a father, pursues a new career, and defies a powerful regime - music keeps on the path of righteousness.

Hawker first uses the Power of Music to describe Anton as he faces a new life so the reader can understand music as his moral compass. When Anton meets Elisabeth, Hawker describes how Anton hears...