In his poem, First They Came for the Communists, Martin Niemöller conveys the theme of the Holocaust and discrimination, through repetition of both words and themes, and also creates a sense of detachment from the victims.
Throughout the poem, Niemöller uses repetition to describe the Nazis actions. He creates a list-like feel, emphasising the repetition of the killing of minority groups, until they came for him. As Martin Kitchen, historian and author, wrote in his book, Nazi Germany- A Critical Introduction, “The Nazis first decided what was ‘normal’ and then set about destroying everything that didn’t match these criteria. Although Jews were seen as the greatest danger, other groups were also singled out for exclusion. These included the mentally and physically handicapped, psychiatric patients, male homosexuals, gypsies, habitual criminals, alcoholics, drug addicts and other ‘asoicals’.” The list of ‘abnormalities’ kept on getting bigger until even showing dislike to the Nazis could get you killed. Niemöller conveys this through the repetition of, “First they came for the Communists” and then proceeds to repeat that phrases with different minority groups until it reaches him.
Niemöller also repeats “and I did not speak out because I was not [one of them]”. This creates a sense of detachment and makes the action seem irrelevant, because it wasn’t affecting most of the community so there was no need to do anything. However, as the poem progresses and more people get captured, it starts to affect more people, with still no one standing up for each other, until it is too late, and they too are captured. As Kitchen writes, “Some were concerned about this reaction from abroad. Precious few helped the unfortunate victims of this outrage.” This was because the public knew if they spoke up, they were next.
In conclusion, similar to Alexander Kimel, poet who wrote I Cannot Forget, Martin Niemöller uses repetition to emphasis the horrors of the Holocaust, but also creates a sense of detachment to the victims until it is too late.
Throughout the poem, Niemöller uses repetition to describe the Nazis actions. He creates a list-like feel, emphasising the repetition of the killing of minority groups, until they came for him. As Martin Kitchen, historian and author, wrote in his book, Nazi Germany- A Critical Introduction, “The Nazis first decided what was ‘normal’ and then set about destroying everything that didn’t match these criteria. Although Jews were seen as the greatest danger, other groups were also singled out for exclusion. These included the mentally and physically handicapped, psychiatric patients, male homosexuals, gypsies, habitual criminals, alcoholics, drug addicts and other ‘asoicals’.” The list of ‘abnormalities’ kept on getting bigger until even showing dislike to the Nazis could get you killed. Niemöller conveys this through the repetition of, “First they came for the Communists” and then proceeds to repeat that phrases with different minority groups until it reaches him.
Niemöller also repeats “and I did not speak out because I was not [one of them]”. This creates a sense of detachment and makes the action seem irrelevant, because it wasn’t affecting most of the community so there was no need to do anything. However, as the poem progresses and more people get captured, it starts to affect more people, with still no one standing up for each other, until it is too late, and they too are captured. As Kitchen writes, “Some were concerned about this reaction from abroad. Precious few helped the unfortunate victims of this outrage.” This was because the public knew if they spoke up, they were next.
In conclusion, similar to Alexander Kimel, poet who wrote I Cannot Forget, Martin Niemöller uses repetition to emphasis the horrors of the Holocaust, but also creates a sense of detachment to the victims until it is too late.
Scottish actress Andrea McKenzie reading out Niemöller's poem. Published 2012.
Curtsey of Youtube.
Curtsey of Youtube.