Armistice: Nazi Germany and Gus

The persecution or unfair treatment of a race can have major impacts on individuals of that nationality. It is practically as if they are experiencing it themselves. It can be really hard for somebody exterior of this race to comprehend these individuals's sensations. As obvious in the story "Armistice," by Bernard Malamud, this can form really strong and various viewpoints from both clashing sides (Morris, and Gus). Morris, being a Jewish guy, has very conflicting perspectives than that of his associate Gus (a guy who sells meat for Morris' company, also an American) concerning the incidents and progress of WWII.

The punishing crusades of the Nazi's on the Jewish individuals aroused numerous old and new feelings from Morris, which are insensitively exploited and deepened by Gus. Although neither of the 2 never really experiences these occurrences, it still greatly affects them both.

Many parallels might be drawn in between the war and the tension in between Gus and Morris. One connection that might be drawn is the resemblance in between Nazi and Gus; and likewise between Morris and France.

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Just as Germany, Gus just sees the power and the "achievement" behind the objectives of the Nazi's; whereas Morris sees that the repercussions of this power are not worth it and that it need to be stopped. As Gus admire this fantastic power of the Nazi's, Morris sees the sense in France's retaliation. He feels the suffering of the people (since of his race) and desires it to stop whereas Gus concerns it as forfeitable.

This is a big distinction in opinion and causes the main conflict between Gus and Morris.

Another correspondence that can be identified is the relations between them. Just as the Nazi's had alerted the French of losing whatever (by losing their land), Gus reminds Morris of losing everything also. Again we see that significant strength that "power" holds. Lastly, the Armistice is symbolic of both conflicts. The "momentary treaty" actually does not fix anything in either conflict. Morris and Gus' Armistice left them both with no various sensations, just as the treaty between France and Germany fixed absolutely nothing. It represents the unreachable peace that can not occur with this type of power and difference of viewpoint standing in the way.

Anti-Semitism and unfair treatment like this are existent even in today's society. This writer believes that there is still probably much of this in the United States. Although over the years we have grown more intelligent, etc.; power, sovereignty and superiority still have the same effect on us as it did to the people during WWII. Even though our nation is founded on non-prejudice and free morals, power and etc.; can manipulate people, transforming them. Proof of these lies in the organization of people. People have formed racial "groups," etc. Our nation can be as bad as the Nazi's with the wrong "powerful" influence.

This example of anti-Semitism is disheartening to observe and learn about. People having to suffer due to other's differences and "power trips." The most saddening aspect of all of this is that this problem will probably never be totally rid of. The conflict between the two men (Gus and Morris) was never solved, only put on hold, just like the problem in the war. An Armistice is not a solution, it is a temporary storage.