The Modernist Explosion: Culture, Literature, Art and Film in German-speaking Europe, 1900-1933 - Essay Example

Furthermore, I find the relationship between Torless and his friends Reiting and Beineberg to be very interesting because Torless seems to be different from them since he does not share in their seemingly sadistic nature. When these three find out that it is Basini who has been stealing money from them, Torless is the only one among them who wishes to have Basini reported to the school’s administration so that he can receive the appropriate punishment; a fact which says something about his character.

Moreover, the story shows Torless to be extremely confused about what to do in the case of Basini because despite his feeling that the torture the latter is receiving is not right, he condones and even takes part in it, a situation that shows his conflicting character. I suggest that Torless’ confusion is a part of human nature because we tend to be more or less confused about different situations that take place in our lives. It is natural for Torless to be confused because all the actions that normal humans take are not necessarily right and there are times when we take actions which would be considered morally wrong yet for the right reasons.

However, I believe that the sadistic nature of Torless’ friends can be considered to be as a result of their upbringing, and might also be a precursor to the sadistic nature of Nazism which would develop later in the twentieth century. It is my opinion that the setting of the story in a military school is highly ironic because the military is an institution known for discipline and the actions taken by Torless and his associates I consider to be not only inappropriate, but against the spirit which is the embodiment of order.

One of the most significant themes that are encountered in The Confusions of Young Torless is that of sexual awakening and this is seen through Torless’ encounter with the prostitute Bozena after he and his friends go to a