Salt to the Sea

Salt to the Sea

by

Ruta Sepetys

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Salt to the Sea: 120. Alfred Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Alfred writes another letter to Hannelore. He relays his conversation with Florian. He confesses his occasional sympathy “for those who are inferior,” but continues, “we are good Germans. It is our birthright” to weed out those whom Hitler has deemed undesirable. Although he was often teased as a child, and was rejected from the Hitler Youth, Alfred explains, “I now understand what it is to feel superior. And I quite like it.” 
In his letter, Alfred once again expresses his sympathy for those who are not members of the “master race.” Here, however, his sympathy seems based on his own former feelings of insecurity. Now that he feels powerful and important assisting Florian with his “mission,” he feels less empathetic.
Themes
Agency, Willpower, and Fate Theme Icon
Storytelling and Fantasy  Theme Icon
Family and Community vs. Selfishness  Theme Icon