In the novel "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink, and the subsequent film adaptation, Hanna Schmitz is a complex character whose actions are shaped by a combination of factors from her past and her personal emotions. Please note that the information provided here is based on the events and portrayal of the character There may be additional developments or interpretations beyond that point.
Background: Hanna Schmitz is a woman with a troubled past. She was a former SS concentration camp guard during World War II and played a role in a war crime that resulted in the death of many Jewish women. This history deeply haunts her, and the guilt she carries influences her actions throughout her life.
Emotions and Thoughts: In "The Reader," Hanna's suicide is the result of several interconnected factors:
Guilt and Shame: Hanna feels immense guilt and shame for her role in the war crimes she committed during her time as a guard at the concentration camp. This burden becomes too overwhelming for her to bear, and she struggles to find a way to atone for her actions.
Fear of Exposure: As the story progresses, Hanna's past as an SS guard becomes at risk of exposure during a trial where she is accused of Nazi war crimes. The fear of being publicly revealed as a former concentration camp guard adds to her distress, and she cannot face the potential consequences of her actions being known to the world.
Isolation and Alienation: Hanna is portrayed as a woman who is emotionally distant and struggles with forming deep connections with others. She is isolated from her past and unable to connect meaningfully with people around her, including her lover, Michael Berg. This sense of isolation can further contribute to her emotional turmoil.
Inability to Forgive Herself: Hanna's inability to forgive herself for her past actions, no matter how terrible, leads her to see no way out of her despair. She may believe that her crimes are unforgivable and that she does not deserve to live with the consequences of her actions.
Hanna's suicide is a tragic and complex outcome of her past and her internal struggles. It is a poignant portrayal of the lasting effects of guilt, shame, and trauma on an individual's psyche. The novel and the film delve into the human condition and the complexities of personal responsibility, guilt, and redemption.
It's important to note that interpretations of literary and cinematic characters can vary, and individual readers or viewers may have different insights into Hanna Schmitz's motivations and emotional state.