Friedrich

It is 1936, and the narrator’s father is returning from a Party (Nazi) meeting. He is very tense. He sits by the door and waits until Herr Schneider returns home. Outside in the stairwell, he asks Herr Schneider to come in so they can talk. The narrator’s father tells Herr Schneider why he joined the NSDAP. He tells him it was because he believed it would help his family; it has already helped him find work. Herr Schneider says he completely understands. The narrator’s father then asks Herr Schneider in a friendly fashion why he and his family don’t leave Germany. Herr Schneider is not offended and responds that he is German and there is nowhere else to go. The narrator’s father warns Herr Schneider that things are going to get worse, though Herr Schneider brushes this aside. The narrator’s father pleads for Herr Schneider to leave Germany. Herr Schneider thanks the narrator’s father for his concern and leaves. On his way out he asks the narrator’s father to look after his family if anything happens to him. The narrator’s father shakes Herr Schneider’s hand firmly.