Doubleheader for this week! Not only are we going to discuss Chapter 13: Privy, but also Chapter 14: Eerie! Since they are both short, I thought I’d put them together in one – let’s get into it!
Chapter 13: Privy
Why Were People So Paranoid?
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Dimitri and the Resistance were not completely out of line to be cautious of Albrecht & Annabelle. Just think about your own life – how easily do you trust a stranger? Or a friend? How much are you willing to tell them when you’re unsure of their opinion or alliances?
In the world of Defy, everyone is practically at war with one another. Racism and Nationalism were at an all-time high. Just being German (even if you had no connections to the Nazis) was reason enough for others to be suspicious of you. In France, there were already instances where secret Nazi spies infiltrated sects of the Resistance, turning in the members who innocently trusted the undercover spy. These instances could be seen with Jean Moulin, whose comrade trusted a German seductress, giving away vital information. Spies were everywhere, also seen in Chapter 12: Spies.
Annabelle’s Engagement
Some time has passed since Annabelle had gotten engaged, but it seems like it’s already become public knowledge. No matter how much Dimitri doesn’t want to acknowledge its existence, that hasn’t stopped the Resistance from having some doubts about Annabelle. To make some connections clearer, here’s the train of thought of the Resistance:
- Annabelle Dietmar, though raised in France, was raised by a man who fought in the Great War against France.
- Albrecht Fitzi is a Nazi S.S. Kapitän and does a pretty good job at keeping appearances, while he continues to claim to be working for the Resisatnce
- In addition, Albrecht has had run-ins with Resistance members on the streets and according to Dimitri, they haven’t gone too well…
- Both are treated favorably by the Nazis, both in public and in private (the dinner Emmerich briefly mentions in Chapter 11.
With all of this information, would you trust them off the bat? Is Dimitri’s caution warranted? Does Annabelle just not see what her behavior has led others to believe?
Chapter 14: Eerie
How Much Information did the Public Have on The Holocaust?
Just for some reference, these were two polls taken in the States towards the end of the war. Even then, as it was happening, not everyone really knew it all. Some even believed it to be exaggerated. If you want to read more into these graphs and see how much Americans know today, check out this site: https://ropercenter.cornell.edu/public-understanding-holocaust-wwii-today
Overall, it was not much better in Europe. While there were stories being circulated in the press, rarely did they make the front page nor were they given much attention. Why? No one really had evidence. While there were testimonies from those who escaped or had relatives taken away, many governments didn’t want to really allow the public’s focus to fixate on the camps, especially not in occupied regions. However, stories still found their way to people and word was spreading about what would happen to those taken away on the trains. It added more fear into the hearts of those living under Nazi rule.
How Much did Albrecht Know?
It’s not exactly certain how much he would’ve known nor if he would’ve shared it all with Annabelle. However, an S.S. Kapitän would have access to some of the knowledge of what happened in the concentration camps.
How Much did Annabelle Know?
She would’ve definitely been interested in the stories survivors had to share, probably getting some first-hand accounts from witnesses. Still, much of the information she’d have gotten would’ve been from listening to the BBC, rumors, and Albrecht. The information she received was very filtered, but given her nightmares, not all of it wasn’t far from the truth.
Why Include These Chapters?
Privy was a way to continue show the growing rift between Albrecht and Dimitri, as well as how Annabelle often got caught within the two fighting. She was the last thing holding the trio together. Soon enough, her sweetness and constant mediation will not be enough. Things will come to a blow between Albrecht and Dimitri only a couple of chapters from now…
Eerie was my way to acknowledge the Holocaust. As a child, much of my knowledge of WW2 surrounded the events of the Holocaust – a commonality in many young adults. I wanted to have a chapter that I could somehow integrate the terrible things that were happening at the same time to over six million people. Since none of the title characters were Jewish, it would be awkward to just throw them into a concentration camp just to include a topic. On top of all of this, I didn’t want to make a story that incorrectly showed the terrors of the Holocaust. It’s such a sensitive topic to write about. In no way did I want to write it wrong, so I stayed away from making it a central focus.
And here is where we’ll end for this week! Next time, I’ll pick it back up with one of my favorites: Chapter 15 – Amour!
👇🏻Comment your favorite moments of these chapters, as well as your reactions down below!👇🏻
But, before you go, have you read…
Secrets of the Forest
It’s the year 2300. The earth as we know it has been completely changed by war and a new civilization has arisen from the rubble. It seems like everything is good and fair – violence seems nonexistent. If their life is so perfect and wonderful, why are people banned from venturing into the Forbidden Country? The laws were clear. No one was EVER allowed to go there. Yet, Annalise Bella Mason was determined to go there. She wanted answers. Now, there’s no going back. Episodes up every Thursday!
Read on Kindle Vella! Chapters 1-7 are now up!
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Till Next Week!
L.A.
