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Chapter 29
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Schindler’s List, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Virtue and Selflessness
Anti-Semitism and Dehumanization
Power
Duty
Bureaucracy
Summary
Analysis
Schindler receives orders from Army High Command that Płaszów (and therefore the Emalia subcamp) will be disbanded. His prisoners will be sent to Płaszów to await relocation. Schindler is only allowed to keep technicians needed to dismantle the plant. Schindler, like many, knows that relocation really means death.
The prisoners of Emalia despair. Still, the rumor spreads that Schindler is working on a list. Schindler first raises the idea of taking Jews out of Cracow in a meeting with Goeth at his villa (at a time when the Commandant is in poor health because of his heavy drinking). He tells Goeth he’d be “grateful” if he could shift them to a new site in Moravia. Goeth says he’ll allow it if Schindler can get the proper approvals.
As with before, gratitude is the code used for bribery. Goeth, despite his delusions, may realize on some level that Schindler wants so many Jewish prisoners because he sympathizes with them. Still, Goeth stands to gain more by letting Schindler do as he pleases (since Schindler will show him “gratitude”), so Goeth has little incentive to try to stop Schindler.
Themes
After settling that matter, Schindler plays blackjack with Goeth. Schindler wins some money on the early hands. Helen Hirsch comes in with coffee. Despite Schindler’s earlier promise to save her, he hasn’t made much progress, and at one point Goeth even orders her execution before calling it off at the last second. After an hour of cards, Goeth has racked up a substantial debt to Schindler.
Though Goeth treats Hirsch horribly, he is also attached to her in a way that makes it difficult for Schindler to ask to take her away. This is yet another example of how the Nazis’ anti-Semitism isn’t always consistent, as they may trust and rely on Jewish people they know personally while also espousing hatred toward Jewish people more generally. Schindler’s plan to win Hirsch through a card game is far from a sure thing, though perhaps Goeth’s drinking and poor health increase the odds that he’ll be playing with clouded judgment.
Themes
Schindler then suggests that he’ll need a maid in Moravia and hints that it’s hard to find one as skilled as Hirsch. Schindler offers one hand, double or nothing—if he loses, he’ll pay double what Goeth owes him. But if he wins, he gets to add Hirsch to his list. Goeth considers the offer for a while before agreeing. He goes bust by one point, and Schindler wins. Goeth agrees to sign the paper and take care of Hirsch until it’s time for her to leave.
Schindler uses Goeth’s macho pride to his advantage. Though Goeth is certainly an anti-Semite, he is even more concerned about looking competent and trustworthy in front of Schindler. This could explain why he honors his debt to Schindler even though Schindler has little power to enforce the terms.
Themes
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