Sunday, December 21, 2014
German Olympics
While Louie is racing in the 5,000-meter run at the German Olympics the book states that Hitler was watching the race and the two met afterwards. It states, "He heard a gathering roar and realized that the crowd had caught sight of his rally and was shouting him on. Even Hitler, who had been controlling himself in concert with the athletes, was watching him" (Hillenbrand 34). I could not imagine being in Louie's position and looking back at his time in Germany, now knowing all of the pain and number deaths Hitler caused. For Louie to have met such an infamous man prior to the start of World War II is amazing. Louie was able to experience Germany prior to the war and I can not imagine what the atmosphere must have been like. It is crazy to think that Louie met Hitler in Germany, then went on to be a solider against him in World War II.
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ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to see how Louie would react differently knowing all that Hitler would go on to do during the war. It would also be interesting to know how Louie's confrontation with Hitler would be different. Prior to knowing all of Hitler's actions that lead to the was, Louie takes pride in the fact that a man as well-known as Hitler came to watch him compete in the Olympics. Louie, however, would not take as much pride in Hitler's appearance had he known that he would have to fight in a war against this same man. It must be a lot to digest for Louie. He starts off the book having a more positive outlook on this person, however, Louie will most likely come to hate him. That is a lot of emotional change to endure and comprehend for Louis who is still pretty young.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you but I am also curious, like Lauren, to know how Louie would have reacted differently knowing what Hitler was capable of and would go on to do later in life. I would assume that he would be appalled with Hitler's actions if he had know what he would do in the future when he had met him prior to the war.
ReplyDeleteI find the whole situation is amazing. I absolutely think his confrontation with Hitler would be different. Since Louie fought against him and is also running for his country, he might not even want to interact with Hitler. To look back and think he was with him must make Louie sick to think about. I feel like it would make me feel disgusted. I just still find it amazing he met him to begin with.
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