Friedrich

It’s 1931, and Friedrich and the narrator start school together. After school, their parents meet them outside the school gate. The two boys both receive their Schultüte, a cone-shaped bag. Friedrich’s is filled with goodies. The narrator’s mom tells him not to open his yet. Herr Schneider suggests they all celebrate by going to the amusement park. The narrator’s parents are reluctant, but Herr Schneider insists. The narrator’s dad borrows two Marks from the narrator’s mother. At the amusement park, Friedrich and the narrator go on many rides, and the Schneiders pay for everything. When they grow tired, the narrator’s father insists on having their picture taken before leaving. The families return home. The narrator opens his bag. Inside is only a small package of sugared rusks (Zwieback) and paper. There is also nothing for dinner; the narrator’s father spent all their money for food at the amusement park.

Friedrich and the narrator are on their way home from school. Friedrich tells the narrator about having his ears cleaned out. They pass the doctor’s office. Someone has written “Jew” on the doctor’s sign. Friedrich rings the bell. The doctor answers and speaks cordially with the two boys.