Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What is the definition of a dictator? How are dictators or authoritarian figures different from other types of world leaders? Who is Adolf Hitler, and what methods did he use to spread his ideology?

Teaching Suggestion: Pierrot, the novel’s protagonist, is the son of a French woman and a German man. Before World War II, he loses both of his parents and is sent to Germany, where he then lives in Berghof, the home of Hitler. Hitler grooms Pierrot and eventually convinces him to accept his Nazi ideology. Based on what they might know from novels, class study, films, and other connected sources, students might discuss Hitler’s persuasive nature and methods for influencing the populace. Utilizing the information in these and similar resources, you might introduce the reasoning behind Germany’s desperate straits after World War I and have readers explore the use of media to spread Hitler’s ideology.

• This article discusses the difference between totalitarianism, authoritarianism, and fascism.
• This 6-minute video explores Hitler’s rise to power before World War II.