July 15, 1942.
Summary:
Fritz Hartnagel writes Sophie Scholl that he finds it odd and comforting that he can turn to her. “It’s like a clear, starry night over a village destroyed by gunfire.”
Eduard H., a student on leave from the Russian front, visits Professor Kurt Huber. Huber asks about forced sterilizations of Polish Jews and Polish women. Eduard tells Huber that he has personally witnessed mass executions of Jews in the Crimea.
Eduard tries to leave, because he must catch a train. But Huber insists he tell him more, and more. Finally around 3 a.m., Kurt Huber lets out a thunderous shout. Klara Huber comes out of their bedroom and asks her enraged husband to be quiet, “because of the neighbors.”
Before Eduard leaves around 3:45 a.m., Huber says he envies Eduard because he can put himself in the line of fire on the front, and die. Eduard protests that that is suicide. Huber replies that only that death makes sense. Eduard cannot forget Huber’s parting words: “There are situations in which that is legal – including that which is morally legal – is transcended.”
Otl Aicher, whose regiment is temporarily halted on the march to Baku, asks for medical leave. The Sergeant Major responds by commanding him to appear in full marching gear, complete with winter pullover. He runs Otl through a series of drills, while cursing and demeaning him, ending with commands to roll on the slimy street in full view of Russian peasants and fellow soldiers.
Feeling humiliated, Otl realizes he has just been fully “initiated” as member of the “great German people.”
In Munich, Hans Scholl talks of assassinating Hitler. This causes the friends to discuss the morality of assassinating anyone, even a tyrant. Despite the debate, Hans remains steadfast in his resolve.
Christoph Probst falls ill, “an interesting illness,” likely either narcolepsy or clinical depression. He cannot stay awake for more than two hours at a time. He envies Alex’s vitality.
Although Christl recognizes he is growing and maturing, he does not know what he should dedicate himself to with his entire body and spirit. He perceives himself as a clear wine that hasn’t yet been stomped.
Why This Matters:
As powerful as Otl Aicher’s narrative is, Christoph Probst’s introspection at that time is likely something we can all stand a bit more of. I am especially struck by the fact that he underestimated his value to the circle of friends. He could clearly see how working on the leaflets had matured Alexander Schmorell, how Schurik had a renewed sense of purpose. But he could not see the same thing about himself, although his friends certainly appreciated - and needed - Christl’s growth. He was physically weak in July 1942, but inside? He was strong. His courage inspired and motivated his friends.
Coming back to a point raised in an earlier segment: Often it is difficult to pigeonhole people. Georg Thurmair, Kurt Huber - so many contradictory and moving parts to their lives and stories. Were they Nazis or were they resistance? Were they “aligned” or did they color outside the lines? Do their actions constitute resistance? I don’t have the answers, but this question applies to many in 2024. People are complex, complicated.
How do you see yourself? How do you see your friends? Are you harder on yourself than you are on your friends? If you’re involved with social justice, tikkun olam, can you observe how your work changes you?
Among your friends, whom do you see and respect as your moral authority? Your moral backbone?
White Rose History, Volume II, pages 117-120.
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