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Hitler’s Birthday, 1940

A sign of definite intelligence - The Vox Book Club (The Spokesman-Review)
A sign of definite intelligence - The Vox Book Club (The Spokesman-Review)

On to Part 5!

In celebration of both Hitler's birthday and Germany's triumph in the war thus far, the city of Molching holds a book burning. Death notes that it "would have come as no surprise if certain members of the party had...published a thousand or so books or posters of poisonous material simply to incinerate them." -What is the appeal of burning books? Why is this action considered celebratory?

Death describes Hans Jr.'s eyes as being "Führered." -What does this adjective mean? Is it significant that his eyes are "Führered" rather than another trait or body part?

Death also describes Hans Sr. painting over Jewish slurs as being "bad for Germany." -How is such an action "bad for Germany?" Bad for one's reputation, yes, but bad for the country?

A question is posed towards the end of this section, a question that greatly troubles Hans Sr.: "Is there cowardice in being glad that you lived?" -What are your thoughts on this question?

As always, any other thoughts, comments, or questions are more than welcome.

In 2006, then-editor Steve Smith of The Spokesman-Review had the idea of starting a publication for an often forgotten audience: teenagers. The Vox Box was a continuation of the Vox, an all-student staffed newspaper published by The Spokesman-Review. High school student journalists who staffed the Vox made all content decisions as they learn about the trade of journalism. This blog's mission was to give students an opportunity to publish their voices. The Vox Box and the Vox wrapped up in June 2009, but you can follow former staffers' new blog at http://voxxiez.blogspot.com.