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43 pages 1 hour read

A Woman in Berlin

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1953

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Essay Topics

1.

For many decades, Marta’s identity remained unknown. What effect do you believe an anonymous author might have had on the reading experience? How does the revelation of her identity affect our interpretation of the text?

2.

The return of Gerd is the book’s closing anecdote. Does this ending provide any trace of hope for the future? Why or why not? Support your response with evidence from the text.

3.

Rape and sexual violence are the central theme of the text. How does Marta’s portrayal of such extreme violence change throughout the text?

4.

Even though the conditions faced by the characters are tragic, Marta writes about a number of humorous situations. How does Marta employ dark humor to better illustrate her points? Select specific examples to analyze.

5.

The book is composed of three diaries. How does this format affect the telling of the story and how does this format add to or subtract from the text’s authenticity?

6.

The widow is Marta’s closest friend. How does their relationship evolve and develop over the course of the narrative?

7.

Marta has a relationship with a number of different Russian soldiers, including non-sexual relationships. What does she take from these relationships? Do any provide her with support or nourishment?

8.

Marta is one of the few bilingual characters in the memoir. How does her knowledge of Russian impact her life?

9.

Near the end of the text, Marta becomes involved in a publishing venture. Does this venture represent hope or pessimism in the context of the diary as a whole?

10.

Marta is both a character and a narrator. How does she balance the subjectivity of the former with the objectivity of the latter? Select and analyze specific events from the text to support your response.

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