Explanation and Analysis of Key Quotes in "Once"
The Power of Child Perspective
"Maybe I haven't told you, but I'm Jewish. And yes, I know I probably should have told you before, but I didn't."
This quote exemplifies Felix's naïve perspective and reveals several layers of meaning:
NoteThe casual tone Felix uses to disclose his Jewish identity demonstrates his lack of understanding about the gravity of the situation in Nazi-occupied Poland.
- The phrase "Maybe I haven't told you" shows Felix's childlike approach to storytelling
- His belief that he "probably should have told you before" suggests he views his Judaism as merely a personal detail, not a life-threatening circumstance
- The repetitive use of "told you" emphasizes his role as an unreliable narrator who doesn't fully grasp his situation
Survival and Identity
"Don't worry, I tell myself. Mother and Father must have sold a lot of books."
This quote carries profound implications about denial and hope:
TipWhen analyzing this quote, consider how Felix's optimism serves both as a survival mechanism and a barrier to understanding reality.
- The self-reassurance ("I tell myself") indicates internal dialogue and coping mechanisms
- The reference to selling books reveals Felix's continued belief in a normal world
- The word "must" shows his desperate need to create logical explanations for his abandonment
Violence and Innocence
"Why would anyone want to burn books? [...] The Nazis must be very stupid people. Don't they know there are usually lots of copies of books?"
This quote demonstrates:
