Schindler's List

Discussion Questions:

1. Itzhak Stern played a critical role in part I of Schindler’s list. How does Stern, the accountant, keep nudging Schindler in the direction of saving Jewish from the holocaust? List examples from the movie and explain how these action are moving Schindler.
2. About halfway through part I Schindler toasts to thank Stern (and Stern refuses to celebrate). Why do you think Stern acts as he does, and why does he never drink with Oskar?
3. Schindler and his mistress witness a massacre in the Krakow ghetto, and Oskar observes a wandering Jewish girl in a red coat.
a. What do you think is the significance of this "girl in red"?
b. What might she represent or symbolize?
c. This is one of the few occasions in the film when color is used. Why is color used? What statement does this make?


Why did Schindler do it?
It is obvious that Schindler risked his life to save the Jews. Did he do it out of empathy, impulse, self-interest, influence? What things did Oskar see that helped him understand the horror of the situation? Give specific examples from the film to support your view. Was Oskar dedicated from the beginning, pushed by Stern, or only when he received the ring was he sure he had done the right thing? Did Oskar ever really realize how much he had done?