Read the following which can be found on EBSCO:
Title:
Promises Made, Promises Broken: A Political Economic Perspective on German Unification.
Authors:
Hefeker, CarstenWunner, Norbert
Source:
German Politics; Apr2003, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p109-134, 26p
What is the thesis of the article? Do you agree/disagree? How much blame should be placed on the shoulders of individual East Germans?
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Goodbye Lenin
Respond to one of the following:
*1) How would you characterize Alex's mother, Christiane, as a mother and a citizen of the GDR? In what ways are these two roles intertwined for her and her children? Does her affection for and devotion to the GDR make her seem sympathetic or odd (or both)?
*2) Pay special attention to what we might call the title scene, in which Alex's mother watches the removal of the statue of Lenin. Why is this scence important? Why is it so funny? What do the following elements contribute to this scene: Mrs. Kerner's facial expression and body language, camera angle, background noise, music?
*Christensen, Kristen M., Prof. "Discussion questions for Goodbye Lenin." Unpublished notes. University of Notre Dame.
3) Discuss the director's use of literary devices such as sarcasm and irony to address the social, political and economic realities facing East Germans in 1989/90. Is he effective? Use specific examples from the movie to illustrate your points.