Emil and Karl

            Emil and Karl is an astonishing novel about two boys growing up during World War II in Vienna. Only one of them, Emil is Jewish while the other Karl is a regular boy. Emil's father is displayed murdered by the Nazis while his mother went crazy with grief. Karl's parents are "dragged" away because they are socialists. Therefore, the boys are left behind with only each other. Throughout the whole story, the boys went through multiple complicated dilemmas and experience issues because of who they are. Jewish discrimination is a major issue in the book.
           In the book, Jewish discrimination is portrayed as a serious problem. Jews were trapped in Vienna and there are no where to go. Horrible incidents often happens in the book, " Jewish shops being looted, Jews forced to scrub Vienna's streets with their bare hands and to act like animals in a public zoo." Having their parents being taken away, the two boys have difficulty understanding why the Jews are treated so badly. They are even forced to face these humiliations from the authorities. This shows how severe discrimination is and one can be Together, they go through cruelty, courage, desperation and love. Kind people like Hans took the boys in and taught them how to pick the right choice based on their heart.
            However, the author doesn't include the perspectives of soldiers and civilians who hated Jews. The whole novel is written from the perspective of two boys, one that is Jew and one that is friends with Jews. Both boys are young, and have difficulty understanding how serious Jews being discriminated can be. Even though both of them faced separation with their families, because either they are Jews or have relationship with one. The chosen perspectives by the author shows how innocent Jew kids are during World War II and their innocence in doing nothing. The author first depicted the boys as best friends and all they want is to stay together. However, enemies continue to pick on them. Severe consequences came to those who are Jews or related.
            In conclusion, there are many conflicts evolving around Jewish discrimination. The discrimination fit in really well with the novel, because of the chosen time period. War is really horrible, especially when it can influence so many people. Innocent civilians are affected in many ways, either ending up in with a sad ending or dead.