Hannah Arendt's "Eichmann in Jerusalem"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Hannah Arendt's "Eichmann in Jerusalem" follows the trial chronologically, dealing primarily with the trial, Eichmann as a person and especially the treatment of Jews to "solve" the Jew issue in Germany during the rule of Hitler. The author points out that Arendt asserts that the primary driving force of Adolf Eichmann, who had no personal hatred against Jews, was his wish for a career in the Third Reich; therefore, on this premise, Arendt suggests that a holocaust such as the one in Germany could have happened anywhere, and could happen again. The paper relates that the subtitle of the book, "A Report on the Banality of Evil", gives the reader an interesting idea that Arendt's view of evil is banality, which can be prevented by rational thought.

From the Paper:

"Of particular interest is the section dealing with Eichmann's personality. What makes this interesting is that Hannah Arendt does not assume the role of psychoanalyst when writing about him. She merely presents him as he is through his actions and his words. Thus, the reader is introduced to an unexceptional man who willingly became involved in the merciless killing of millions. It is similarly interesting and also horrifying to note that even while on trial, Eichman showed absolutely no remorse for his actions. His main regret is his inability to further his Third Reich career."

More papers on Hannah Arendt's "Eichmann in Jerusalem":

• Analytical Essay # 3335 : "The Banality of Evil"
• Analytical Essay # 7682 : "Commonalities Between Jewish and Nazi Leaders"
• Descriptive Essay # 115768 : "The Temple in Jerusalem"

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