June 21 - June 24, 1942.
Summary:
Sophie Scholl ponders musings from a discussion earlier in the week, whether Nature requires redemption. Sitting in a beautiful, sunset-filled valley, she decides it most certainly does not.
A larger group of friends meet to read Paul Claudel’s Satin Slipper aloud. Sophie, Traute, and Hans walk home late at night, through the English Gardens. The conversation initially focuses on gossip and trivia, but Sophie introduces her thoughts about Nature into their discussion. She concludes that possibly Nature will have to be destroyed, before the war can end.
Hans turns their talk to resistance, stating that nothing would ever change until people did something. Sophie adds, “Even if someone only writes something on the street at night so that people see it the next morning.”
Traute questions Hans and Sophie about the effectiveness of leaflets and graffiti. Is that enough to sway the general public?
Alexander Schmorell faces the same doubts, which he takes to Lilo. He stands in the middle of her room, almost incoherently telling her what they have started. Lilo is stunned, only able to ask, “Alex, don’t you realize the consequences of what you are doing?” He admits he knows it may be an unnecessary risk, but he owes it to Hans.
Lilo promises Alex that no matter what, she is there for him, offering her support and friendship. That seems to be all Alex needs to hear. He sits at her grand piano, playing his heart out. She realizes he has already recovered, found his joy in living.
Alex has also planned a literary soiree at his parents’ home, in their absense. Professor Kurt Huber is coming. As is Willi Graf!
Hans and Traute accompany Professor Huber from downtown Munich to Harlaching. They try to discern what Huber thinks of the leaflet. He is tight-lipped. Hans goes sour on Traute, forging ahead to the Schmorells’ home. That gives Traute the opportunity to ask Professor Huber about the leaflet. He admits he received it. But also makes it clear he does not wish to talk about it.
Why This Matters:
Alex’s friendship with Lilo was touching and meaningful. She kept her promise of friendship and support. Friends like that are most critical in a time of trouble - whether political upheaval, death of a loved one, or crises of any sort. And, it survived Alex. Erich and Hertha Schmorell stayed close to Lilo until their deaths. They were the ones who said, “Read her book!, it’s the best one there is!” Genuine friendship has that lasting effect on people.
We often falsely assume that we have the support of someone who is either silent when we express our opinions, or who says one thing to us and something else when not in our presence. That the friends in this circle missed all the signs that Professor Huber did not support their work? That they heard only what they wanted to hear? Damaged them in the long run.
Do you have a friend you’d like to acknowledge for their constant support and care? Mention them in the comments!
White Rose History, Volume II, pages 71-74.
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