In The Attic

Wladyslaw Szpilman

1. Character Sketch of Wilm Hosenfeld

Wilm Hosenfeld

Wilm Hosenfeld emerges as a German officer in the memoir In The Attic an extract taken from ‘The Pianist’
by Wladyslaw Szpilman. He is portrayed as a kind and supporting individual, a stark contrast to the brutality
surrounding him in Nazi occupied Warsaw. Despite his position within the German army, Hosenfeld
exhibits a profound sense of humanity. His actions speak volumes of his compassion, most notably through
his decision to help Wladyslaw Szpilman. He discovered Szpilman hiding in the ruins and, instead of
arresting him, offered him refuge and support. Hosenfeld's support was not limited to a single act. He
provided Szpilman with essential items for survival in the harsh conditions. He gave Szpilman a warm and
fluffy blanket called an Eiderdown, some food to eat, and even his own jacket to keep him warm. He is a
figure of unexpected grace and empathy within the context of immense suffering. He represents a flicker of
humanity amidst the darkness of war, a German officer who chose compassion over conformity, ultimately
becoming the unlikely saviour of Wladyslaw Szpilman and, by extension, a symbol of quiet heroism.

2. Character Sketch of Wladyslaw Szpilman.

Wladyslaw Szpilman

Wladyslaw Szpilman is the main character of the story, which is based on his own life. Before the
terrible time of World War II, he was a talented pianist who played music at the Polish radio station in
Warsaw. Szpilman was a Polish Jew living and working in Warsaw. When Germany attacked Poland during
the Second World War, life changed completely. Jewish people like Szpilman were treated very badly and
killed. To stay safe, Szpilman had to hide. He took refuge in the attic of a ruined building which must have
been a scary and lonely place. While hiding and struggling to survive, he was incredibly lucky to get help
from a German officer named Wilm Hosenfeld. This officer was kind and gave him food, a warm jacket,
and a cozy eiderdown to help him stay warm during the cold month of December. Amidst all this, Szpilman
lost his entire family due to the war. Despite facing such immense loss and danger, his will to survive and
the unexpected kindness of a stranger helped him endure. He represents resilience and the enduring spirit of
a person facing unimaginable hardship.

3. prepare a write-up on the problems faced by refugees of war in the present time.

War and Refugees

Refugees are people who are forced to leave their homes due to war. This means they have to
abandon their houses, belongings, and communities to find safety. War forces people to flee their homes,
leaving everything behind. These refugees face a multitude of problems, starting with the perilous journey to
safety. They often travel long distances on foot or in overcrowded vehicles, exposed to harsh conditions,
violence, and exploitation. Upon arrival in a host country, refugees encounter new challenges. They may be
placed in overcrowded camps with inadequate shelter, food, and sanitation, leading to the spread of diseases.
Access to clean water and healthcare is often limited.

Securing legal status is another major hurdle. Refugees must navigate complex and lengthy asylum
processes, facing the constant fear of deportation. Even when granted asylum, they often struggle to
integrate into their new societies. Language barriers, discrimination, and a lack of job opportunities make it
difficult to rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. The psychological impact of war and
displacement is immense. Refugees often suffer from trauma, anxiety, and depression. Separation from
family members, loss of loved ones, and the uncertainty about the future can take a severe toll on their

Notes prepared by Sirajudheen P 96 33 226 345

mental health. In conclusion, refugees of war face a complex web of challenges, from the dangers of their
initial flight to the difficulties of building a new life in an unfamiliar and often unwelcoming environment.

4. Prepare a diary of Szpilman when he hides in the attic and German officer helped him.

10 December 1944, Monday

Another day. The silence in this attic is deafening. It has been weeks, maybe months? Time has lost all
meaning. The cold gnaws at me, even with the officer's thick coat. I huddle under the tattered remains of the
eiderdown, trying to remember what it felt like to be warm. Food is scarce. I ration the bread, making it last
as long as possible. My body is weak, but the music in my head keeps me alive. The city outside is a ghost.
I can sometimes hear distant gunfire, the rumble of explosions. Is it the end? Will I ever leave this place?
Hope is a dangerous thing, but it's all I have left. The German officer came again today. He brought bread
and jam. He didn't say much, but his eyes... they held a strange mix of pity and weariness. He told me the
war will end soon. I try to believe him. I think of my family. My heart aches with a pain that no hunger can
match. If only I knew what happened to them... But I must survive.

5. Interview questions to Szpilman.

 How did your experiences during the war shape your perspective on humanity and resilience?
 What role did music play in helping you to survive and maintain your sanity during the most difficult
times?
 Can you describe the moment you were reunited with Warsaw after the war, and what emotions you
experienced?
 What were your feelings towards Germany and Germans in the immediate aftermath of the war? Did
those feelings evolve over time?
 How did you find the strength to rebuild your life and career after losing your family and witnessing such
devastation?
 How do you view the impact of Wilm Hosenfeld's actions on your survival, and what did his actions
teach you about human nature?
 Did you find it difficult to return to playing music professionally after such a long hiatus and such
traumatic experiences?

6. Supported by the Soviet army, Poland defeated Germany. The news of this victory was reported in
the following days. Prepare a news report on defeat of Germany.

Liberation Achieved: Polish Forces, Backed by Soviets, End German Occupation

Warsaw, Poland - January 16, 1945 - After years under Nazi Germany, Poland is now free. The Polish
Liberation Army, with key help from the Soviet Red Army, won the final fight to push the Germans out.
This ends a very dark period that began with Germany's invasion in World War II. In September 1939,
Germany attacked and quickly took Warsaw, leading to terrible suffering for Poles. Millions, including
many Jews, were cruelly treated and killed in the Holocaust. Despite this, Polish fighters in the Polish
Liberation Army bravely resisted. Their efforts, along with the Soviet push, led to Poland's freedom.

This victory in World War II shows the strength of the Polish people. While the occupation caused great
harm, the end of Nazi rule brings hope for peace. Władysław Szpilman, a Holocaust survivor, said, "You
see, I have lived through much worse horrors...horrors you can't even imagine." His words remind us of
the past and the strength of survivors. The world now knows the great sacrifices of the Polish people and
the important role of the Polish and Soviet armies in defeating Nazi Germany.

Notes prepared by Sirajudheen P 96 33 226 345

 7. After surviving the war, Szpilman is back at Polish Radio again. Imagine you are a podcaster and
Szpilman agrees to do a podcast episode with you. Taking cues from the excerpt, prepare the script
of a radio podcast.
The memory of War: A story by Szpilman
Hello everyone!
This is Mahboob. Welcome to this podcast episode.
Today, we have a truly remarkable guest, a man whose music and resilience have become a testament to the
enduring spirit of humanity. He needs no introduction to many of you, but for those tuning in for the first
time, the brilliant pianist, Mr. Władysław Szpilman. A hearty welcome, Wladyslaw Szpilman!

Host: Mr. Szpilman, it is an absolute honour to have you here. Your return to Polish Radio after
everything… it feels like a symbol of hope itself. How does it feel to be back in this studio?

Szpilman: It is… surreal. Familiar, yet profoundly different. The silence that once permeated this city, that
gripped this very building… it’s gone. Now, there is a different kind of quiet, a quiet after a storm. And to
fill that quiet with music again… it feels like a privilege.

Host: The excerpt we have all read paints such a vivid picture of your return, the chipped plaster, the
lingering scent of war. Did those remnants of the past make your return more difficult, or perhaps, more
meaningful?

Szpilman: Both, I think. The scars are everywhere, aren't they? On the buildings, in our memories. Seeing
them here, in this place where I once felt so much joy making music… it’s a stark reminder of what we have
endured. But it also makes the act of playing, of broadcasting music again, feel even more significant. It is a
way of saying, "We are still here. Life, and art, continue."

Host: You mention the silence of the war. For so long, your music was silenced in the public sphere. What
was it like to finally sit back at the piano here, knowing your music would once again reach the ears of so
many?

Szpilman: It was… emotional. My fingers felt clumsy at first, almost as if they had forgotten their purpose.
But as I began to play, the music… it flowed back. It was like an old friend, waiting patiently. And to know
that those notes would travel beyond these walls, to people who have also endured so much… it felt like a
reconnection. A small act of rebuilding.

Host: The excerpt mentions your performance of Chopin's Nocturne in C sharp minor. That piece must hold
a very different resonance now.

Szpilman: It does. Before the war, it was a beautiful piece, full of longing. Now… now it carries the weight
of what we have lost, but also a fragile hope for what can be. The melancholy feels deeper, but there’s also a
sense of resilience woven into the melody, don’t you think? A quiet defiance.

Host: Absolutely. It is as if the music itself carries the stories of survival. Mr. Szpilman, your story of
survival is extraordinary, and your return to Polish Radio feels like the beginning of a new chapter, not just
for you, but for Warsaw itself. What are your hopes for the future of music here?

Szpilman: My hope is that music will continue to be a source of solace, of connection, and of beauty. That
it will help us to remember, but also to move forward. We have so much to rebuild, not just physically, but
also spiritually. And I believe music has a vital role to play in that healing.

Notes prepared by Sirajudheen P 96 33 226 345

Host: Beautifully said. Mr. Szpilman, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your presence with
us today on "Echoes of Warsaw." It's truly inspiring to have you back.
Szpilman: Thank you for having me.

Thank you for spending some of your valuable time with us. Until next time, keep the laughter alive. This is
Mahboob signing off.

Main Events
 Germany attacked Poland in 1939, they conquered Warsaw; capital of Poland.
 Around 60 Lakh Jews were killed in the war.
 The narrator Szpilman take refuge in an attic of ruined building. A German officer discovers him but
surprisingly doesn’t harm him.
 The officer asks Szpilman what he does for living; he replies he is a pianist.
 German officer asked him to play the piano and plays Chopin’s Nocturn for the officer.
 The officer finds the reason for his hiding among the ruins; he was a Jew.
 Officer offered a help to Szpilman; he can take him out of the city to a village which will be a safer
place to this. But he refused it.
 Officer enquired him where is he hiding? and he replied in the attic.
 Officer inspects the attic and finds a loft just above the entrance of the attic and suggested to hide in
the loft.
 Officer informed he will bring food for Szpilman.
 The officer returns with food and informs Szpilman that the war should be over soon. He urges
Szpilman to hang on same place until the war is over.
 Weeks pass with decreasing artillery fire. Soldiers run up and down through the attic, but doesn’t see
Szpilman in the loft.
 The officer visits Szpilman for the last time, bringing large packet of loaves and an eiderdown.
 January 14 narrator wakes up with the heavy artillery fire which died for a few days.
 It continues January 15 too. After three hours the noise dies again. He becomes sleepless.
 As the Germans leave Warsaw, radio broadcasts announce Germany’s defeat and the city’s
liberation. With the help of Soviet troop, they make it.
 He hears the sound of children and women. He poked his head out of the building. It was a gry misty
morning.
 He sees a woman soldier in uniform and a woman with bundle on her back approaching him.
 He ventures to speak to her but he wears the German coat which is gifted by German officer before
his departure.
 She thought he is German. She shrieks a German! Hearing this sound polish soldier turns and begin
to fire her pistol towards him.
 He again takes refuge in the attic. The he ventures out by shouting don’t shoot I am a Polish…
 Later he was identified by Polish soldier and takes him to their camp. He stayed there for two weeks.
 After two weeks, Szpilman walks freely in liberated Warsaw, reflecting on the destruction of the
ghetto and his new life ahead.

Notes prepared by Sirajudheen P 96 33 226 345