The Private Life of the Master Race: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Private Life of the Master Race: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex dynamics and moral ambiguities of individuals living under the Nazi regime in Germany. The narrative features various characters, each embodying different aspects of society during this tumultuous period. The S.A. Man, Theo, represents the pride and fear instilled by the Nazi movement, while his mistress, the Parlour-Maid, grapples with both fear and resentment toward him. Other figures include Lincke, a Worker who faces intimidation, and social commentators like the Social Democrat who blames Communists for political failures. The story also highlights the plight of those directly affected by the regime, such as Judith Keith, a Jewish woman fleeing to Holland, and physicists X and Y, who live in secrecy due to their connections with Einstein. Legal figures like Judge A and Judge B navigate the precarious landscape of justice, often paralyzed by fear and ambition. Ultimately, the narrative paints a portrait of a society torn apart by ideology, fear, and betrayal. This exploration invites reflection on the human experiences and moral choices faced in such oppressive contexts.
The Private Life of the Master Race: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Bertolt Brecht
Genre: Play
Locale: Germany
Plot: Social
Time: 1933–1938
TheS.A.Man, whose name is Theo. He is proud of his part in the Nazi movement and enjoys kindling fear among his friends and acquaintances.
The Parlour-Maid, the S. A. Man's mistress. She fears her lover and dislikes him because he takes her money from their joint bank account.
The Worker, a man named Lincke. He is taunted and frightened by the S. A. Man.
The Social Democrat, a man who blames the Communists for Germany's inability to save itself politically from the Nazis.
The Old Worker, Herr Sedelmeier, who is forced to say over the radio that his factory is a wonderful place to work.
The Woman Worker, Fräulein Schmidt, who is forced to say that the factory is a pleasant place to work.
X and Y, two German physicists who correspond indirectly with Einstein and fear discovery by the Nazis.
Judith Keith, a Jew who leaves Germany in 1934 for refuge in Holland.
Judge A, Herr Goll. He wants to render a verdict on a Jew but is confused as to whether the Nazis want a verdict of guilty or not guilty.
The Inspector, a man named Tallinger. He is too careful of his own fate to be helpful to the judge.
The Prosecutor, an ambitious man named Spitz who gives the judge no help because he would like the place on the bench held by Judge A.
Judge B, an elderly friend of Judge A. Judge B is too aware of the dangers in Germany to offer any advice to his friend Judge A.
The Butcher, an old-time Nazi who hangs himself when he realizes that he has been betrayed by the party.