New Heidelberg and Weimar

The vast similarities between New Heidelberg and Weimar emphasize the irony of Anna’s life. Throughout the novel, Anna repeats the phrase, “The past is dead, and better it remain so.” Although Anna wants nothing more than to leave her wartime identity in the past, she cannot seem to do so. Even in New Heidelberg, her wartime persona, follows her. In addition to similarities in climate and physical appearance of the locations, Anna is faced with the same societal shame she had faced in Germany. New Heidelberg seems to be a new Weimar in a different location. As much as she wishes the past to be dead, it is very much alive and incessant.

Chess Board

In the beginning of the novel, Anna and Max play chess with one another. Anna’s queen is describes as being backed in a corner and without...