Canadian History

“Swing Kids”

  1. What are the characteristics of “Swing Kids” of 1930s Germany?
  1. Give 2 words that describe the style of dancing done in the opening scene.
  1. Who is chasing the older man on the bridge? What happens to him?
  1. What are Peter, Arvid and Thomas planning on doing in the future?
  1. Who are the “H.J.” beating up in the alley?
  1. Why is that important that they helped him and their attitude once they found out who he was?
  1. How did the Gestapo officer’s behaviour compare to the Nazi Block Leader’s toward the family?
  1. What was Peter’s father accused of by the government?
  1. What are the Nazi party members seen doing with the possession of the “traitor?”
  1. What did Peter’s father do for a living before he died?
  1. What does Peter reveal about the German government in the music store?
  2. What happens at the dance hall when the HJs are about to come in (how does the atmosphere change)?
  1. What is being said in the film that Peter and Thomas have to watch in the HJ training?
  1. What happens to Arvid at the hands of the HJ in the street? Why is this important?
  1. What “sport” do they learn in the JH training? Why is this useful?
  1. What does Thomas’ father say about the HJ?
  1. Why are the Nazis closing the swing club?
  1. What type of picture is on the poster closing the swing club? What does it mean?
  1. What is said about the Jews in HJ?
  1. How is being in the HJ affecting Thomas? (How has his attitude changed?)
  1. Why is Peter angry at his father?
  1. Why was his father killed?
  1. What are the HJ members required to do in class?
  1. Why is Arvid so upset at the music request? What does it mean to him?
  1. What happens to Arvid? Why does he do this?
  1. What is important about the conversation Peter has with Herr Knopp at dinner?
  1. What happens to Thomas’ father?
  1. What happens during Thomas and Peter’s conversation? What does Thomas say?
  1. To whom is Peter delivering packages? What is in the package?
  1. What is Peter’s renewed opinion of his father?
  1. What does Peter do in the evening? Why does he do this?
  1. Who comes into the club and what happens?
  1. How does this end the relationship between Peter and Thomas?
  1. How does the story end?

CANADIAN HISTORY

“SWING KIDS” FINAL SUMMARY

Look at this paragraph and write the thesis and main points.

The movie Swing Kids demonstrates the restrictions on personal freedom created by the Nazis during Hitler’s early reign. The main character, Peter, has to develop his personal opinions regarding freedom, security or the value of life. Thomas has to choose between friendship and belonging as he is challenged by the propaganda of the HJ. Arvid must stand up for his beliefs and creative freedom in the face of persecution and co-operation with the Nazis. Each of the three main characters reflects the type of people in Germany during this time. Peter is the underground objector, who realizes the method of the Nazis and takes his own action to fight them. Thomas is the co-operator who believes that it will get better if individuals just follow along with the Nazi intentions. Arvid is the conscientious objector, who because he is the weakest member, cannot fight the Nazis alone, so dies trying. These three show not all Germans during this time were Nazis and that not all Nazis fully believed in Hitler’s policies.

Based on the movie Swing Kids, write a well-formed paragraph to answer the following:

-What was the main theme of the movie and what does this say about Germany during Hitler’s early term?

-How does this change your impression of Germany during the early course of the war?