Examine how Keneally engages with the complex nature of righteousness and virtue through the character Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s Ark

Examine how Keneally engages with the complex nature of righteousness and virtue through the character Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s Ark

Thomas Keneally's novel "Schindler's Ark," which is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, delves deeply into the complex nature of righteousness and virtue. 

The character of Oskar Schindler is at the heart of this exploration, as he evolves from a self-serving businessman to a savior of over a thousand Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

1. The Initial Self-Centeredness

Oskar Schindler is introduced in the novel as a flawed and self-centered individual. He is a businessman with a reputation for opportunism, profiteering, and womanizing. His virtues are limited, and his moral compass is skewed. At the outset, Schindler's actions are driven by self-interest and profit. He sees an opportunity to benefit from the war and exploit cheap Jewish labor for his enamelware and ammunitions businesses.

Keneally's portrayal of Schindler's initial character serves as a stark contrast to the traditional notions of righteousness and virtue. Schindler's motivations are far from altruistic; instead, he is primarily concerned with his own financial gain and lifestyle. 

Examine how Keneally engages with the complex nature of righteousness and virtue through the character Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s Ark-This contrast highlights the complexity of human nature, suggesting that even individuals with questionable morals can be transformed.

2. The Transformation and Moral Awakening

The heart of the novel lies in Oskar Schindler's transformation from a self-centered profiteer to a righteous and virtuous savior. This evolution is gradual and marked by pivotal moments of moral awakening. Several factors contribute to this transformation:

A. Personal Relationships: Schindler's interactions with individual Jewish workers, particularly Itzhak Stern, his Jewish accountant, and Helen Hirsch, his Jewish maid, lead to personal connections that challenge his prejudices and ignite his empathy. These relationships gradually humanize the Jewish workers in his eyes.

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B. Witnessing Atrocities: Schindler witnesses the horrors of the Holocaust, including the liquidation of the Krakow ghetto and the brutal treatment of Jewish prisoners. 

Examine how Keneally engages with the complex nature of righteousness and virtue through the character Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s Ark-These firsthand experiences shock his conscience and force him to confront the moral implications of his actions.

C. The "List": One of the most significant moments in Schindler's transformation is the creation of "Schindler's List." This is a list of over a thousand Jewish workers he intends to save from the gas chambers. The act of creating this list is a powerful symbol of his commitment to saving lives, transcending his initial self-centeredness.

D. Defying the Nazi Regime: Schindler's defiance of the Nazi regime, particularly Amon Goeth, the sadistic commandant of Plaszow labor camp, illustrates his growing sense of righteousness. He risks his own life and wealth to protect the Jewish workers under his charge.

Examine how Keneally engages with the complex nature of righteousness and virtue through the character Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s Ark-Keneally's portrayal of this transformation highlights the malleability of human morality and the capacity for individuals to evolve in their understanding of righteousness and virtue. Schindler's character challenges the notion that virtue is an inherent quality and suggests that it can be cultivated and developed over time.

3. Moral Complexity and Ambiguity

Throughout "Schindler's Ark," Keneally explores the moral complexity and ambiguity of Schindler's actions. Schindler's motivations are not always purely altruistic; he is not without his flaws and vices. He continues to engage in morally questionable behavior, such as his womanizing and alcoholism, even as he saves Jewish lives. This moral ambiguity forces readers to grapple with the imperfect nature of human virtue.

Keneally's portrayal of Schindler as a morally complex character challenges the black-and-white notions of righteousness and virtue. It underscores that even individuals who perform righteous acts may still be morally flawed in other aspects of their lives. This complexity raises questions about the true nature of virtue and whether it can exist independently of imperfection.

4. The Greater Good and Sacrifice

Schindler's actions in the novel also raise questions about the concept of the greater good and the role of sacrifice in righteousness. He is willing to sacrifice his wealth, safety, and reputation to save Jewish lives. This willingness to prioritize the lives of others over his own interests is a central theme in the novel.

Schindler's choices highlight the moral dilemma of whether righteousness and virtue can be measured by the extent of one's sacrifice. His transformation from a profiteer to a savior is a testament to the idea that true virtue often requires personal sacrifice and the willingness to put the well-being of others above one's own.

5. The Legacy of Righteousness

The novel also touches on the lasting impact of righteousness and virtue. Schindler's actions have a profound and enduring effect on the lives of the Jewish survivors he saved. Their gratitude and admiration for him underscore the significance of his virtuous deeds. Moreover, Schindler's efforts to save lives are commemorated in Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the Holocaust.

Keneally's portrayal of Schindler's legacy highlights the ripple effect of righteousness and the notion that virtuous actions can have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond an individual's lifetime.

Conclusion

In "Schindler's Ark," Thomas Keneally engages deeply with the complex nature of righteousness and virtue through the character Oskar Schindler. Schindler's transformation from a self-centered profiteer to a righteous savior challenges traditional notions of virtue and highlights the potential for moral evolution. Keneally's portrayal of Schindler's moral complexity and ambiguity underscores the imperfect nature of human virtue. 

The novel also explores the concepts of the greater good and sacrifice in the context of righteousness. Schindler's enduring legacy exemplifies the far-reaching impact of virtuous actions. 

Keneally's exploration of these themes through Schindler's character provides a thought-provoking and nuanced examination of the complex nature of righteousness and virtue in the face of great moral challenges.

 

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