Previous
37. Emilia
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Salt to the Sea, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Agency, Willpower, and Fate
Storytelling and Fantasy
Memory and Survival
Family and Community vs. Selfishness
Summary
Analysis
Alfred writes another imaginary letter to Hannelore. He tells her he has been confirmed to sail on the Wilhelm Gustloff. He claims he is a “sailor of priority” and will be responsible for saving “two thousand lives.” He is brought back to reality by a higher up asking him if he has cleaned the toilets yet.
As in most of his chapters, Alfred disappears into a fantasy world where he is more important and more powerful than he is in reality.
Themes
