The Pianist 30 Point Classwork

Mr. Trzepinska Holocaust and Genocide

The Pianist – 30 point classwork

The first hour of The Pianist does an excellent job of depicting life in the ghettos. As you watch the film please answer the follow questions. We will stop the movie from time to time to discuss your answers.

1. What is the attitude of Wladyslaw Szpilman and his family when the Nazis first invade Poland in 1939?

2. Why do you think the Polish Jewish citizen allows himself to get bullied by the Nazis in the middle of the street? What would you have done? Explain.

3. When do the Jews start realizing the seriousness of their situation? Describe ways in which their lives start getting affected?

4. Describe the conditions of life in the ghetto. How do these conditions continue to deteriorate? 5. Provide at least 5 examples of how Jews are discriminated, harassed, and limited in the ghetto.

6. At the 45 minute mark, one of the Jews suggests that they fight back against the Nazis. Why are the others hesitant to do this?

7. What scene impacted you the most? Why.