In the film “A Hidden Life,” Franz Jägerstätter is portrayed as a very humble farmer, who is very devoted to his wife and children. During his time of indecision, Father Fürthauer asks him, when discussing dying for his beliefs or staying with his family, “Which is the greater wrong?” Although he is seen as faithful to his family, he still chooses to die for what he believes is right. Franz Jägerstätter had a great impact on the resisting of Hitler’s party and totalitarianism as a whole because of his low status profile, the lack of support for his decision, and the responsibilities he held as a father and husband. His lack of reasoning behind his own decision is what left such an impact on people. It was obvious that, although he did not have a great education, he understood the principles of right from wrong, and his absolute stance against Hitler’s war is how Franz Jägerstätter became such a heroic public figure.
Outline:
- Low Status
- During his life time, he believed no one would ever hear about his sacrifice
- He was a nobody, so he wasn’t resisting as a political martyr
- His death went unknown for years
- No Support
- His own religion told him not to go through with his decision
- His family wanted him to stay with them to help with the farm (and to be with them)
- Even the guards wanted him to just swear an oath and be a doctor because they could tell he was a good man
- Family Obligations
- Need to help wife and sister-in-law on the farm, lots of work for just 2 women
- Has three daughter that would grow up without a dad, integrate his own childhood in this paragraph
- Almost betraying them by not trying to stay alive, robbing children of a great childhood, wife of a husband
Sources:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/43251244?seq=2#metadata_info_tab_contents
One reply on “First Paragraph/ Outline”
Hi Taylor,
Thanks for your feedback! I believe I forgot to turn comments on for my blog so that is likely why you couldn’t comment, but thank you for messaging me.
I also think your essay idea is pretty ideal. I think that a lot can be discussed about Franz and I think it is important to do so because even in contemporary times his resistance to Nazism is not very well known. I like that you consider how his resistance towards totalitarianism negatively impacted his family and his legacy as a husband. I believe this is an important aspect of his decision that must be discussed, as it heightened how difficult a decision it must have been for him to continue to resist, showing his bravery, but also his dedication to resisting.
If I have to present a suggestion, I’d perhaps say to focus on the religious pressures he faced. Back then going against the church and religious leaders was basically treason, so making that quite clear will be helpful to your argument (I think).
Best of luck on this essay! I think you will do great too!