Part 3 Ryan C

I think Part 3 of The Reader reveals the extent of the emotional damage done on Michael by Hanna, most clearly seen in Michael’s failed marriage with Gertrud. Michael was not able to connect with a person despite being married and having a child; he was too emotionally numb to have a successful relationship, because of his experience with Hanna. I also think that Michael blames Hanna for his condition since he is content with the fact that Hanna is sentenced to life in prison, because he thinks he will never have to deal with her again. Hanna’s lasting impression is also seen when Michael begins to read aloud, at first he thinks to himself, but he realizes it reminds him of reading aloud to Hanna to which he decides to record his reading and send them to Hanna. I think Michal agrees to re-socialize Hanna not because he feels bad about her situation but because part of him wants relive the past and the relationship they had, which is why he is rather disappointed when after her time in prison, Hanna appears aged and not how Michael remembered her when she was in her 30s. Despite being emotionally numb, I think Michael has matured as a person, mostly because he absolves his parents of any wrongdoings he put on them. I think it’s interesting that Michael does not want to be a lawyer, after finishing law school, but deices to be a clerk, to which Gertrud points out is just Michael escaping any type of responsibility. Even though Michael agrees with Gertrud, it also begs the question as to why Michael decides to help Hanna after prison, which entails a great deal of responsibility. All in all, I though The Reader was a good book and I am glad we read it.