Go Went Gone summary, themes, symbols and analysis

Summary

In this video, the speaker provides a comprehensive analysis of *Go Went Gone* by Jenny Erpenbeck, focusing on key themes like privilege, empathy, movement, and borders. The novel tells the story of Richard, a retired professor who forms an unlikely bond with a group of African asylum seekers in post-reunification Germany. The speaker explores how privilege shapes Richard's world, while the refugees face systemic barriers. Key symbols, including language and the law, illustrate the challenges of displacement. Ultimately, the novel emphasizes the complexities of human connection and the limitations of empathy and bureaucratic systems in addressing refugee crises.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novel *Go Went Gone* by Jenny Erpenbeck explores the unlikely connection between a retired university professor, Richard, and a group of African asylum seekers.
• 😀 The novel highlights the stark contrast between Richard's stable, privileged life and the uncertain, precarious lives of the asylum seekers.
• 😀 One of the key themes of the novel is the concept of privilege, focusing on how Richard's freedom to choose his lifestyle contrasts with the asylum seekers' lack of freedom.
• 😀 Empathy is a central theme, as Richard, despite his limited power, tries to help the refugees in substantial ways, developing real friendships in the process.
• 😀 The novel critiques bureaucratic systems and legal frameworks that dehumanize refugees, offering a reflection on the power of language and law in shaping individuals' fates.
• 😀 The title *Go Went Gone* reflects the transient nature of the refugees' lives, as they are constantly in motion, often against their will, with few options or control over their destinations.
• 😀 The text touches on the concept of 'movement' as a form of privilege, contrasting the forced displacement experienced by refugees with the free movement enjoyed by others, like Richard’s friends.
• 😀 Language barriers in the novel symbolize broader issues of powerlessness and uncertainty, reflecting the struggles refugees face as they try to communicate and integrate into society.
• 😀 The novel draws connections to Germany's history, particularly its division after WWII, suggesting that national borders are arbitrary and often serve to separate people for political reasons.
• 😀 The narrative calls for empathy that goes beyond pity, urging readers to think about how we interact with marginalized groups and whether we truly understand their experiences.

Q & A

What is the central theme of *Go Went Gone* by Jenny Erpenbeck?

The central theme of *Go Went Gone* revolves around the unlikely connection between a retired professor, Richard, and a group of asylum seekers, exploring issues of privilege, empathy, displacement, and the arbitrary nature of borders. It addresses the social, legal, and emotional challenges faced by refugees.

How does the novel highlight the theme of privilege?

The novel contrasts Richard’s life of privilege with the hardships faced by the refugees. Richard, with his freedom, stability, and ability to choose how to spend his time, symbolizes privilege, while the refugees are trapped in bureaucratic systems with limited freedom and autonomy, highlighting the disparities between different social classes.

In what way does Richard’s relationship with the refugees evolve throughout the novel?

Richard’s relationship with the refugees evolves from a sense of obligation and curiosity to genuine empathy and friendship. Initially, he helps them with their legal issues, but over time, he becomes more personally invested, offering housing and support. His bond with the refugees becomes reciprocal, demonstrating the complexities of human connection.

What role does empathy play in the novel, and how is it portrayed?

Empathy is a key theme in the novel, where Richard's willingness to help the refugees goes beyond mere sympathy. He develops real, reciprocal friendships with them, learning to listen to their stories and understand their struggles. This challenges the reader to think about empathy as a two-way relationship, not just one-sided charity.

How does the theme of movement relate to the refugees in the novel?

The theme of movement in the novel addresses the forced displacement of refugees, contrasting it with the freedom of movement enjoyed by others, like Richard’s friends. While Richard’s peers can travel freely, the refugees’ movement is dictated by political borders, rendering them powerless in their journey from one temporary place to the next.

How does the novel depict the concept of borders?

Borders in *Go Went Gone* are depicted as arbitrary and often meaningless, yet they have profound effects on individuals. The historical context of Berlin’s division is used to illustrate how borders separate people and create inequalities. The novel critiques how national borders divide communities and limit opportunities, particularly for refugees.

What is the significance of language in the novel?

Language serves as both a literal and symbolic barrier in the novel. The refugees’ struggle to learn German reflects their broader sense of powerlessness and uncertainty in their new environment. Additionally, the novel explores how language intersects with the law, as the refugees’ stories are often reduced to legal technicalities, further dehumanizing them.

What does Richard learn about the refugees as he spends more time with them?

Richard learns that the refugees, despite their difficult circumstances, are complex individuals with their own dreams, struggles, and flaws. He begins to see them not just as victims of the system but as people with agency, developing a deeper understanding of their humanity and the challenges they face.

How does the novel challenge the reader's understanding of social justice?

The novel challenges readers to rethink how social justice is practiced, particularly in relation to refugees. It asks us to consider how empathy and allyship can be genuinely offered without dehumanizing those we aim to help. The narrative encourages us to engage with marginalized people as equals, listening to their needs and supporting their autonomy.

How do the themes of privilege and movement intersect in the novel?

The themes of privilege and movement intersect by showing how those with privilege—like Richard—have the freedom to choose their movement, while refugees are often forced to move across borders under dire circumstances. This contrast highlights the inequalities that exist in the global system and the lack of control refugees have over their own destinies.