Writing Prompts - Hans Strupp
Prompt 1
Please listen to Hans Strupp's video story. In this source, Strupp describes his growing awareness of antisemitism. In 1939 Hans and his family left for the United States. Their furniture, photo albums, household goods, and clothing were neatly packed, but they never arrived. “We were Jews. We weren't allowed the luxuries of even our own clothing.”
Write an essay that both summarizes and analyzes how Strupp's new found awareness of antisemitism affected his self-identity. Be sure to cite specific evidence to support your analysis.
Prompt 2
The Nuremberg Laws passed in 1935 legally excluded Jews from German life and became the foundation for further anti-Jewish policies. Jews could no longer attend school side by side with other Germans. Every element of life was upended, from public schools to employment, shopping, and entertainment. Some childhood friends no longer came around. Hans recalled, “We were human and then we weren't. It happened so quickly and yet it was probably always there.”
Write an essay that compares and contrasts the intent of the Nuremberg Laws to make the Jewish citizens of Germany "civilly dead." Using the link below, cite specific and thorough evidence to support your analysis.
Prompt 3
Hans Strupp recalled how “The [public] school became part of the Nazi machine; it was rapidly taken over by the Nazis.” He was “made to feel unwelcome” at school. Broader Nazi changes to education included the destruction of textbooks and expansion of physical education to five classes per day. Describe the ways that public education was changed, citing specific examples from Hans’ experience as taped (:59) and in the transcript.