586
PARTISAN REVIEW
It isn't clear to Cecilia- part of his speech is in German- if he is
attacking Philip or siding with him . Perhaps he is attacking the red–
faced Eisenach? Rudolph's sympathy with socialism, he says, is such
that he has come to the conclusion that the "forced de-Nazification"
of Germany by the United States was an act of imperialist aggres–
sion; so too, the "forced democratization" of Germany. He believes
in a Left that is pitiless and unforgiving of its enemies- especially its
German enemies . He believes in a Left that proudly embraces Ger–
man destiny. As for History, he says with majestic scorn, spittle on
his lips and his eyes wickedly bright- History has no memory, no
existence .
If
he had his way he would ban all books written before
1949 .. . which is to say , six years before his own birth .
Philip laughs and regards him with a look of affectionate con–
tempt. "No German born in 1955 can be taken seriously," he says.
Everyone at the table bursts into laughter except Cecilia and
Rudolph, who sit silent.
Belatedly, Margot from the Consulate tries to change the sub–
ject. Did Philip and Cecilia visit St. Stephen's Church, did they see
the famous Chagall window?- but Philip ignores her. He and
Rudolph are staring at each other, clearly attracted by each other's
insolence. So very German, thinks Cecilia, feeling a wave of faint–
ness . It is an old story that has nothing to do with her.
It is late, nearing midnight. Coffee and brandy are served.
Chocolates wrapped in tinfoil. Too many people are smoking, why
has no one opened a window. . . ? Frau Lutz who teaches English
and American literature at the University asks the Americans their
opinions of "Black Marxist street poetry"; the smiling gat-toothed
Heinrich asks about "revisionist gay" readings of Whitman and
Hart Crane . Again the subject of Fassbinder is raised, arousing
much controversy; and does Werner Herzog ("the far greater artist,"
says August) have a following in the States ; and is there sympathy
for Heinrich Boll, his attitude toward disarmament, his involvement
in the blockade of the American military base at Mutlangen... ? In
the midst of the discussion Rudolph says languidly that he himself
would not wish the enemies of Germany destroyed; for as the aphor–
ism has it, our enemy is by tradition our savior, in preventing us
from superficiality. At this August bursts into angry laughter and
tells the Americans to pay no attention to Rudolph, who is drunk ,
knows nothing of what he says, and has never visited the East in any
case.
"How dare you speak of my private business!- you know
nothing of my private business!" Rudolph says in a fierce whisper.
