Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Ich wünsche eine fröhliche Wiedervereinigung (Kapitel Drei)

Among others, a paradox in Olli aus Ossiland is the party itself. Merely hours before the setting of the story the people were afraid to say anything against the government. Now, however, they party. They are drinking, eating, laughing, and having a good time because the wall is now open to crossing. When Olli’s father stands to give his speech he is nervous because he does not know what to say. This is paradoxical because they no longer have to worry about the government attacking him or his family, but rather he is afraid of the judgment of the people. Another paradox at the party is that Olli’s father is there as well as everyone else; from the rebellious ‘skinheads’ to Olli’s high-ranking father. They all came together to celebrate that the wall had been opened. This is ironic because he had spent the last several years of his life defending and serving the government yet he is now standing by people who may have never believed in it at all.