Hans now turns to religion to understand death, marking a major shift in his earlier efforts to understand death through science. Hans’s perpetually changing views emphasize his youth. Meanwhile, his praise of Joachim’s self-discipline and acceptance of death seem to be genuine; and indeed, the book seems to portray these traits of Joachim’s in a positive light, as well. Joachim, unlike most other residents at the Berghof, acts in accordance with his beliefs, not only talking about his duty to return to his military service but actually taking steps to make that happen, dutifully recording his temperature, resting, and studying Russian language textbooks in the meantime to ensure that he’s prepared when (if) he’s finally allowed to return to his service.