What role does alienation play in the novel? Consider the characters of Johannes, Lauterbach, and Heilbutt, all of whom are alienated from society in some way. What is the nature of their alienation? How do they deal with it? Do any of them manage to overcome it?

When the story starts, Nazis are already a constant presence in German life. In what ways have the Nazis become part of the social fabric of day-to-day existence? How does the novel account for their popularity among young men like Lauterbach?

Neither Johannes nor Emma is financially responsible. How do their budgetary struggles develop the theme of Economic Collapse and Societal Breakdown?