Study Guide for Pocket of Guilt
Thompson has crafted a little-known story about Germany’s teenagers, who save themselves and in some cases, their families, from starving during and after WWII. This survival story unfolds in Mannheim, Germany with three extended families bonding and supporting each other while trying to live under the strict laws set down by Hitler and his Third Reich.
When the explosions of enemy bombs subside and Hitler no longer poses a threat, Dieter and Werner, sons of the Schulz family, along with their cousin, Rolf, and friend, Frank, form a gang called a “Four-leaf Clover” in order to find food. They secretly begin a journey of plunder and plunge themselves into the most exciting and dangerous adventure of their lives.
After the American Occupiers arrive and food becomes more plentiful, the “Four-leaf Clover” gang retires. These boys mature and search for happiness while continuing to maintain a close relationship.
As a young man, Dieter Schulz discovers that his past has caught up with him. In his earlier days, while serving in the Hitler Youth Organization, he befriends Leo, a homeless Jewish boy, which was against Hitler’s rules. Rudy, a Nazi lover and Dieter’s Hitler Youth Leader, threatens to punish Dieter for it when he gets out of the army. When the American Occupiers capture Dieter and ask if he knows any Nazis, Dieter points out Rudy, who has also been captured. Feeling that Dieter has betrayed him, Rudy swears to get revenge against Dieter if he ever sees him again.
Dieter’s final encounter and day of reckoning with Rudy occurs in the Alps when he goes on a skiing trip with his friends, Leo, Bertie, and Elsa. It proves to be one of the most suspense scenes and a turning point in Dieter’s life.
This adventure story with its many twists and turns tugs at your emotions. The three extended families in crises during this time of war show how they adjust to their desperate situation, and how they benefit from mutual love and support. These colorful characters reveal their true grit and will to survive, making them hard to forget.
Study Questions for Book Clubs
1. The basic theme running through this story asks the question, “Would you steal food in order to survive?” Would most people succumb to that most basic human instinct to live? What about the commandment found in Exodus 20:15 that says, “Thou shalt not steal”? Would you think of it as stealing, or would you call it something else?
2. How does Dieter reconcile his decision to steal food with his religious upbringing? See p. 212.
3. How is Dieter able to partake of the sacrament on Sundays in light of his weekly undercover activities? See p. 235.
4. How does Dieter’s decision to steal food manifest itself as far as his conscience is concerned? See p. 214, 235, 237.
5. While playing checkers with Uncle Karl at the farm, Dieter reveals that he doesn’t like one of the Jungvolk rules. What is it? What does this say about Hitler’s government? See p. 16.
6. Hitler demands strict obedience to his laws without criticism from the German citizens. Does the Schulz family comply? Discuss how the family handles this.
7. What is your reaction to Anna counting the freedoms the Jews have lost? Is any of the information new or unexpected? See p. 30.
8. Herr Grueber takes delight in watching Jews being crammed into boxcars. How does this scene make you feel? How does a person like Grueber become that cold and unfeeling? See p. 38.
9. The evening after the first air raid, Anna and Wilhelm attend a compulsory meeting at the Pestalozi School. What goes through your mind as guards bar the exits? See p. 48.
10. What are your feelings about Hitler’s statement, “Loyalty, sacrifice, and silence are virtues a great people needs.” See p. 48.
11. Are you surprised at how easily people can be brainwashed and not realize what is happening?
12. Have you learned anything new after reading this WWII story from the German point of view?
13. Have you ever shouted a slogan or anything else in unison with a huge crowd? How did it make you feel?
14. Hitler censors what is said on the radio and in the press. Books, films and art are included. Do you think censorship could happen in America? Would banning the words “Merry Christmas,” be a good start? See p. 59, 157.
15. During WWII, German women who have more than three children receive support from the government. See p.77. Why do you think the government does this?
16. Signs saying, “Give a child to Hitler” are plastered on streetcar walls. What is the purpose? See p. 77.
17. During the reign of the Third Reich, Germans are punished severely for listening to foreign news broadcasts on the radio. Why do the citizens persist in listening? Would you? See p. 78, 154.
18. This novel shows how German cities and small towns differ from those in America. Discuss the differences. See pp. 11, 13, 73, 198, 254, 255, 247.
19. What are some of Dieter’s good and bad traits?
20. Who is your favorite character? Which character do you dislike? Why?
21. Hitler spews propaganda via theater newsreels, radio, posters, and slogans. Do you think the U.S. media reports the news with a slanted point of view?
22. The new U.S. Administration promises to require radio stations to put liberals in high management positions. What do you think about this?
23. Rudy, Dieter’s Hitler Youth Leader, is a hateful, unfeeling character. What causes him to be like this? Is he evil or has he been hurt?
24. On June 5, 1944, near Portsmouth, England, General Dwight D. Eisenhower meets with other generals and military leaders in Southwick House. Their mission is to choose the date for the Normandy invasion. Discuss what happens, the importance of the weather, and the famous words Eisenhower utters when he makes his decision. See p. 143.
25. Discuss the scene where Dieter finally accepts the death of his cat, Fritz. What can we learn from how he handles it? See p. 174.
26. Do you have any doubt that Hitler died in the Reich Chancellery? Could it have been one of his many doubles? See p. 205.
27. In one of the most suspenseful scenes, American guards try to catch kids who are looting trains at the Feudenheim switching yard. When one of them approaches a jeep where Dieter is hiding, something unexpected happens. Discuss why. See p. 232.
28. Dieter goes with Georg to an American Food Depot to search for food and has a gut-wrenching insight into his own life. He goes home and, with a flashlight, reads something under the covers. What makes him decide to confess his sins to the church Branch President? See p. 244.
