Q: Well, we’ve started history and memory and I’m having a tought time finding a good related text. Our core text is the Fiftieth Gate (Mark Baker). I’m thinking of doing “Life is Beautiful,” but otherwise I have no clue as to what would be good.
Also, what is your opinion on the type of text that would do well? My teacher tells us that it’s easier to have all the texts being Holocaust based so that we don’t have to recontextualise, but I’ve also heard that having texts with different event backgrounds can help display the depth gained from the module.
Any help would be appreciated!
A: There are lots of good films on Nazi Germany, but you could do another conflict such as Vietnam or Cambodia. “The Killing Fields” is both a film and a biographical account. The central character is real. There’s two Clint Eastwood films:” Flags of My fathers” and “Letters to Iwo Jima” that look at the war in the Pacific. They represent two sides of the same battle. They are a set although you wouldn’t have to do both, you could make knowledgeable reference.
Other films: Downfall; Inglorious Basterds, Swastika, Schindler’s List, The Pianist. (I’ve been selective.)
Another alternative is a letter collection. ‘The Reader’ is both a book and a film which takes a view of people who worked for the Nazis that is different.
You need to find a text that is mature and hopefully everyone won’t be doing – less competition. A good way to show your strengths with something less common. Just thought of the graphic novel, Maus I & II by Art Speigleman which is allegory as well. There are anime and manga on the Japanese perspective on the war. Your teacher is right but within that it’s make sure you pick good texts. You can look at different aspects of the same war and some of the suggestions I’ve given allow you to do that.
Have a think and get back to me if you have other questions. You need to be comfortable (if not happy) with what you select,
eruditeHSC 