The Pianist ( A Sociological Perspective)

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

“THE PIANIST”: A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS Muhammad Saad Noor 2012-253 Osama Iqbal 2012-297 Sarmad Usmani 2012-346 Sufyan Jawed 2012-365 Syed Abbas Raza 2012-369

HM-321 (B)

Sociology & Human Behavior

1

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Course Project

Submitted To: Sir Cedric Aimal Edwin INTRODUCTION The fundamental belief in defining the sociological Perspective is to define it from humanity’s point of view and not in religious sense. The necessity to highlight the point as the beginning has arisen, given that the topic of choice deals with perhaps the prominent and complex event of the twentieth century, the Holocaust. Though the name ‘The Pianist’ seems to derogate the theme of the movie chosen, the experience of the not only the main Protagonist but also the entire movie both powerful and moving. What we aim to target will not only be the narrative confined to the lead character (Mr. Wladyslaw Szpilman) but also the broader narrative that describes the location and the community (consequently moving away from the timeline of the movie) from strictly a sociological point of view. The idea is not simply to put every theory discussed as a stand-alone, monotonous cartoon but rather to bind the chain of events and characters of the individual throughout the film using appropriate sociological viewpoints to transform it into a coherent compound. Possible crucial events of the movie will be high-lighted and assigned a theory or set of theories. All events and hence theories will be outlined consistently, reaching the epilogue with our conclusion where we will cross the timeline of the movie. As the narrative carries depth, hence so many a sociological theories will be highlighted and discoursed. The movie will generally follow the life of a pianist working for the Polish radio, Wladyslaw Szpilman during the course of World War II from 1939 to 1940, his life and alterations, experiences and struggles along with the broader context of the happenings during the war i.e. also sometimes clinging to the latter aspect.

2

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

THE TUNE THAT PLAYED AMIDST THE STORM AND RUBBLE……………… The actual moment that seizes the coming plans of the Nazis is the declaration for all the Jews to wear armbands as a sign branding them, as people do nowadays with cattle. While life continues for Szpilman and his family, things do eventually take a turn for the worse when all the Jews living in the Warsaw district and the adjoining area are ordered to move into the small district created for the Jewish within Warsaw itself. What tends to be achieved is the moral degradation and de-socialization of the Jewish among themselves as they are further grinded in the wheel of poverty and the continuously harsher sanctions being imposed upon them such as the necessity of having a work permit, but even so Szpilman continues to work as a Pianist to support family. Things do eventually take turn for the worse when under the pretense of a better working condition, the nearly half million residents of the Ghetto are sent off to the Treblinka extermination whereas while boarding the train, Szpilman is rescued by friend in the Jewish Ghetto Police from where he pretends as a slave labor and makes his escape. Up to this point the movie did not only revolve around Szpilman but his entire family as well (mother, father, a brother and two sisters), representing as a close knit and cohesive group without the symptoms of Groupthink, but on hereafter he remains on his own with no family as they are sent off to the melting pot. Setting aside rage and grief, Szpilman conforms to the Nazi rule as a slave worker along with few others in the ghetto and who are disposed off when deemed too old to work. Even under the alert eyes of the, Szpilman, along with the other young men in the ghetto began to secretly smuggle weapons inside in order for them to mount a resistance to German Occupation even coming close to being caught a time or two. But Szpilman manages to escape before the uprising and seeks help from a non-Jewish friend Andrzeg Bogucki, to hide him. Szpilaman remains hidden in an apartment near the ghetto wall where he witnesses the Warsaw uprising which he assisted internally and its failure and ultimately, success. After the arrest of his aide and his identity being blown up, he flees to another address where they keep him in a flat close to the German headquarters. Struggling with anxiety and disease, Szpilman stays hidden in the flat while his aides settle inland for fear of their safety. Szpilman escapes the building after bombing by the allies begins first hiding in the German hospital during which the Warsaw district is in ruins after continuous bombing and fighting. Szpilman then scours the ruins looking for supplies and food to eat. While hiding in the attic of a shambled house, Szpilman is caught by the Wehrmacht officer Captain Wilm Hosenfeld who upon learning that he “was” a pianist asks him to play something on a piano in the living room, to 3

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

which Szpilman plays “Ballade No. 1 in G minor”, which drives the Captain to leave Szpilman be. Later, he brings Szpilman Food on multiple occasions as well as giving him his own coat before finally leaving. The coat nearly proves to be the death of Wldayslaw Szpilman as the Russians mistook him for Nazi. Later, it is shown that Wilm Hosenfeld is captured by the soviets and asks a friend of Szpilman to rescue him but he never catches his name. Szpilman continues his work on the as a pianist whereas the captain who hid him could not be saved and died in a war camp in 1952. Mr. Wladyslaw Szpilman died in 2000 in Warsaw.

SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS The purpose of the sociological project is to apply the sociological theories on the basis of the development and use of Sociological Imagination to perceive the given context, situation or character from a particular perspective and then choosing theories that seem best conducive to it. For the Pianist, the case boils down to the fact it being a movie and hence such the narrative has to be described in terms of the sociological theories instead of vice-versa. Hence the Perspectives and the concerning theories that will be taken under consideration are respectively as follows:

CONFLICT THEORY PERSPECTIVE i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii.

Social Stratification Total Institution Class Conflict Marx view Class and Poverty Social status and roles Deviance and Crime Colonialism Broken Window Theory

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONIST PERSPECTIVE i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Dramaturgical Approach Group formation In-group and out-group Crime and Group Cohesion Labeling Theory Differential Association

FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE i. ii. iii.

Strain Theory Social stratification Religious Perspective

4

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

The movie itself seeks to make us argue the concept of inequality and in what manner. Basically, the belief of the Nazis regarding the Jews as troublesome and lowlife and hence treating as a lower class can be considered a blatant excuse for action and control. Social Stratification clearly states the existence of structured in equality in the society but in the regarding case, not only the reason for degrading the Jewish Community by the occupation of Warsaw and the bombing of the Polish radio Station to cut off their culture was unjustified but their subsequent ‘arrangements’ for the people were morally degenerate. The simultaneous formation and imposition of laws and norms showed a society deep under oppression and injustice under the influence of Hitler’s rule. What they did was establish a form of imperialistic approach to handle those they considered as beneath them. Yes and then the progressively harsher treatment really lead to the putrid atmosphere now known Total Institution. As seen prior in the movie, the Jews living in Warsaw (around half a million) and around it are ordered to migrate to the to the small Ghetto inside Warsaw district itself where harsher laws and Sanctions had been forced upon them, leading to a society of near absolute poverty and distress, their culture and beliefs slowly being substituted to represent a more ragged community. And we clearly see the full extent of Total Institution when the Jews are loaded on to trains for labor camps in the same way the cattle are loaded for the slaughter house. It was later revealed that they were sent off to extermination camps before which they were stripped off their valuables which they possessed, hence being stripped off their culture, statuses and roles and being given a singular one as labors or slaves or cattle which became their Master status. One of the most highlighted characteristics in differentiating among class or cast is the possession of wealth, in some accordance with the Social Stratification. The events procuring even in the early days of the Nazi seemingly pointed to a growing conflict that was and eventually will break out at any time, given that the mountains of restrictions being placed upon them not only were reducing employment for them (such as Mr. Szpilman losing his job after bombing of the radio station) was a strong contender to the fact that poverty will rise among them, the difference amplified in the Ghetto where people were dying of starvation while the rich only dwelled in apathy. Then the concept of deviance holds great significance as well as challenge given that it can be applied from both perspectives as they say; “Deviance is in the eye of the beholder”. There are two faces regarding this belief- conformity and deviance. While under one circumstance people were labeled as conformist, others were labeled as deviant. A strong example of Group Conformity is the time Wladyslaw Szpilman’s Family hid their money in the violin. And of course, in this case it is justified to acknowledge that What the Jews did as a means of sustenance and livelihood was strongly considered deviant under the eyes of the Nazi and a form of innovators in the eyes of Jewish as they went out of line to provide for themselves. Then the constant exploitation of their economy and culture was a severe detriment as a result of their colonialism approach where they took control of the economy and likely ravaged the 5

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

polish culture which also comprised of Jewish culture (destroying museums, libraries, institutions, murdering Priests). Deviance can also been seen from Nazi’s Perspective where Captain Wilm Hosenfeld helped save Szpilman in the final days of the invasion. One very important ideology is the broken window theory that seeks to proof that initiating social disorder will only lead to further chaos and disorder which can only be subdued by the use of sanctions, punishments of varying degrees in order to outline boundaries of social tolerance. The case presented in the movie is ideal as the persecution of the Jews caused declaration of war, the uprising of Warsaw, the later Arab-israeli war after the UN partition plan that led to the formation of Israel and even further events that followed them. But of course the conflict perspective seems to cover the macro-sociological perspective. The ability to analyze the variations in day to day interactions among people is just a necessary perspective to the perceived ability and implementation of the sociological imagination. There is a clearly observable trend of change in the behavior and actions of people throughout the movie itself and of course that is normal considering the positions the Jews are placed into and the attitudes of the Gestapo who are imposing the rule upon them. But the probable question lies as to why are they changing? It can be clearly attributed to the Dramaturgical Perspective, the concept that humans carry multiple faces, they are actors. While it is not the desire of the Jews to submit to the Nazi rule, they nonetheless do so by conforming to their policies or else risk facing the constabularies. Similarly, while they pretend to be loyal, they are defying them behind their backs by actively planning out against them and while they actively hope on the front stage that help will come, they are at an understanding that the end is near. And on the contrary, while the Gestapo carry out the atrocities openly, imposing themselves as caretakers of the Nazi institution, it can somewhat be said that they do so under the influence of their superiors as they are acting under the higher authorities and cannot be held accountable for their actions, a statement which was given by Nazi POW and a result which was observed in an experiment conducted by Stanley Milgram at Yale University: Conformism and Agentic State Theory. Szpilman, though unaware, adopts dramaturgy for himself as a tool of survival, an alteration of traits that will be further highlighted in Merton’s Topology. Group existence is a part of society and contributes to the socialization process that we as individuals adopt throughout our life course. It is an ever-mutating process that seeks to differentiate us from others due to the varieties of people we communicate with. Hence, the process of grouping was clear as glass and its existence was in plain view on both sides, the Jews and the Germans (forces). But then there must be levels of cohesion that seek to vary with people among different groups, leading to the concept of in-groups and out-groups. The former represent the primary group which one interacts such as family which was the highlight of Szpilman’s group preference and the closely associated bond. In case of Nazi’s, it may or may not have been the family depending on the cohesion in their workgroup, the idea is up for debate. The later form of groups represents the less cohesive and interactive form of group with which we are associated. In the case of Szpilman, it was his work group and same as after escaping deportation. But events usually lead to change in how one constructs his groups as seen that Szpilman’s primary group initially was his family but after their deportation to Treblinka, his previous primary group dissolved and the so called secondary group became the Primary Group; that is his workforce became strongly cohesive which lead to his involvement in the uprising. And then the increasing need to survive can also be contributed to group efforts as people smuggled food items and strongly supported each other but the same time they conspired against German forces, thus inciting the fact that increasing group cohesion leads to more effective procedure and results in crime and Sabotage, which was the viewpoint implemented by the Hitler like minds. The Concept Labeling theory is a branch of symbolic 6

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

interaction theory which interprets the responses of others as the most significant factor in understanding how deviant behavior is both created and sustained (Becker 1963). Started with the war as Jews ‘labeled’ and not allowed to enter coffee houses or even to stroll in the park through an official decree. This was thought as an absurdity and insanity by the people even then. Followed by being forced to wear emblem “star of David” in public over 12 years of age on the right sleeve the blue star of David on white background, large, 8 cm from point to point, width one cm. Severe punishment was announced for not respecting the decree. Officially labeled and branded which was considered as shear humiliation and disgraceful for the Jews. They were mistreated, humiliated, abused and hurt regardless. Consequently, further actions followed this. It was the basic and starting point in the social and psychological pilot. Even though the use of Sociological Imagination is to define a problem from all angles, we must accept that there are certain limits to how certain perspective is applied. In the context or events portrayed by the Pianist, one will find it difficult as to how such actions are necessary for creating a structured society. But nonetheless, the Functionalist perspective must be described. So there should be an angle with which we can consider the entire happenings in the movie to be Functional. We can take this into account into analysis in a few ways. In terms of Broad Narrative, the actions of the Nazis are considered deviant which mostly resembles real life events. The Deviant behavior of the Nazis towards the Jews in the Poland could be considered as functional in the sense that the treacheries of the SS defined the boundaries of humanity’s tolerance during the earliest stages of Poland’s Invasion causing England and France to declare war on Germany in order to save the Jewish population. And the increasing tensions and cruelties pounded on the Jewish people promoted a gradual unity which became the driving force to mount the Jewish resistance. And hence in those cases they had to redefine their moral and ethical boundaries in order to pursue the means of retention, so many people had to pick up weapons, become spies among others. Now let’s share a moment with the character of Wladyslaw Szpilman himself and his personal traits and developments during the entire length of film from a Functionalist perspective. We can see that from the moment of the bombing of radio station which served as an institutionalized means for achieving his cultural goals of becoming a renowned pianist as a form of conformist reaction, as highlighted by Merton’s Topology. Then the changes began to occur throughout the process of increasing occupation by the SS and the Gestapo. We see that some time later he still remains conformist, creating music in his home piano but forced to give it up (the piano) because of ensuing poverty thus giving up his means of achieving goals but not yet accepting an illegal one. He eventually adopts a ritualistic persona where he accepts the means (a job as a pianist) but rejects his goals of producing music. This form of strain continues on him until their transfer to the Treblinka extermination camp after which he retreats, continuing till his early days as slave labor. Only when the idea of an uprising, does he adopt a rebellious approach, accepting the goal of survival and achieving freedom through the unconventional means of warfare, and coupling it with the perspective of impression management, he does justice to his role. Only after the bombing of Warsaw does he becomes an innovator, striving for survival in the aftermath, with no institutionalized means, he innovates using the 7

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

resources at his disposal, including the truly enigmatic first encounter with Captain Wilm Hosenfeld. Then when all ideas or ways seem to fail, we turn towards the one corner stone which most obey without proof, religion. As per mentioned, this is a very sensitive and provocative issue and will not be discussed to great depth but the basic belief according to Islam and Christianity is the God is the supreme being and everything happening is under His will or command. Hence, it’s wise to say that the event of the Invasion of Poland, the beginning of World war 2 and the Holocaust occurred because it was God’s Will and hence could not have prevented and evaded. Some very interesting facts regarding this are the later formation of Israel, the propaganda of the arrival of the Messiah and the subsequent arrival of Prophet Isa(A.S) along with the end of Greater Occultation and the emergence of Imam Mehdi (A.S).

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION The grand joke, if not humorous, is the blunt fact that no matter the road one adopts to get to the destination, someone always objects to it, no matter how comfort the ride is. What the analysis carries out is a perspective on a single piece in a complete set of puzzle, as the film restricts itself on the Occupation of Poland, being narrowed down to Warsaw itself, with a central character as usual. While the theme of the Narrative has been dealt with the sociological point of view as justifying as possible, nonetheless it is worth mentioning that the timeline of the film begins with the declaration of the world war and finishes with its conclusion, there is by all aspects a beginning to the reasons and events behind the invasion and particularly after the war that seem to go astray out of the context thereby making this report biased, inconclusive and incomprehensive in view of certain people. So for a more refined approach, it seems that one may have to look deeper in the annals of history to understand the events prior war such as the rise of Hitler himself and Social Psyche that he possessed and subsequently implemented into the minds of the Germans and the previous sociological impacts of World War 1. Even then the atrocities and acts that were committed and were forced to be carried out are mind-altering even when in the film you get to view only a small crumb of the pie but it and the wide array of actions and reactions that follow are substantial to produce a sociological perspective of significant color. We believe that to have a clear Imagination means to have a clear conscience and hence to describe the situation from all perspectives and that human life is always Sacred regarding caste, creed, Religion or status and all perspective and analysis is carried out from purely humanity’s point of view. Well its funny actually that the notion of human life as sacred is a religious teaching itself; the irony of things!

8

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE CONTRIBUTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS #

Date

End Time 00:20

Abbas

Sufyan

Sarmad

Saad

Osama

12th Nov

Start time 22:15

1st

Proposed the Idea of “The Pianist” after everyone else. It was accepted while Voting for the choice of movie.

Gave viewpoint that whether should it be done on a movie, a book, a real life story, etc. Suggested movie The saw.

Ideally gave the idea that a particular person or character should be the focus of analysis. Proposed on.

Sighted with the need to evaluate the issues faced by Pakistanis after 9/11 in America.

21st Nov

23:40

02:20

With “The Pianist” as our Final Choice we moved into discussing the structure of movie. Introduction was discussed. Highlighted the needs of the

Discussed the fact that the story of the movie should be highlighted primarily. Second the events proceeding and preceding the movie time. Along

Suggested that sociological analysis should be performed on the Victims of rape; accounting to real-life stories of people. Watched the movie so began arguing about what type of theories will and will not be feasible. Everyone got to Selecting the theories that will

2nd

Highlighted certain important parts in the movie that will later serve as valuable material in the analysis of the perspectives such as the killing of

Presented the idea that the narrative should be defined in the personal Experience as we were basing our work on movie. A short summary would 9

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Introduction, presenting the idea of broad and Confined Narrative.

3rd

26th Nov

18:30

19:15

Division of theories accepted. Took the part in the writing the narrative and the Merton’s Topology. along with the concept of class conflict, Deviance and poverty.

4th

28th Nov

22:00

23:00

Co-accepted the perspective of religion with reference from bible

with the need to focus on the protagonist with the sociological theories applicable. Proposed the view of branding as shown in the movie regarding the Jews and the subsequent social dilemmas that followed. Formation of Israel and destabalizati on of the East. Co-accepted the perspective of religion with reference from The Holy Quran

best highlight the Narrative.

Old Jews. Proposed the idea of in-groups and outgroups.

Suffice.

Proposed the idea of continuous and increasing Chaos that ensued not only throughout the movie but also going out of the timeline to define consequenc e of the war.

Showed up for the meeting and accepted the Broader assessment of the Strain theory and the concepts of in-group and outgroup.

Outline and Expose the concept of the Dramatugy and perspective and of the face on both broader and confined context as well as the process of group formation.

Co-accepted the perspective of religion with reference from The Holy Quran.

Did not show up at the meeting and did not present his work which he undertook because of hosting the All-Pak of IET.

Co-accepted the perspective of religion with reference from bible

10

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Appendix A: The Statistics of the Invasion Estimates (German forces)

Estimates (Polish Forces)

Killed

8082 to 10572

66300

Wounded

27,278 to 30322

133700

Missing

3404 to 5029

Prisoner

0

Civilian deaths

420000 26000

Tanks

89

Armed vehicles

993 to 1000

Naval Losses

2 destroyers, 2 minelayers

Planes lost

107

327 out of their 435

11

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis



To all this polish misery, pain, and death we must add what the Germans did in the Poland they ruled. They shot former politicians, and government, cultural, professional, and intellectual leaders, or sent them to die in concentration camps. Just in the city of Bydgoszcz, for example, Germans murdered about 10,000 non-Jewish civilians in four months of occupation. And from 1939 to 1941, they deported en mass about 1,600,000 Poles, including 400,000 Jews. About 700,000 Poles were sent to Germany for forced labor,6 many to die there. And the most infamous German death camps had been located in Poland. Overall, during German occupation of pre-war Polish territory, 1939-1945, the Germans murdered 3,900,000 to 6,400,000 Poles, probably about 5,400,000, including near 3,000,000 Jews.



This human catastrophe inflicted by the Soviets and Germans on the Poles surely exterminated the best and brightest among the Poles, and nearly destroyed the human infrastructure for the post-war rebuilding of former political parties and a post-war government. This relative leadership void was intentionally made worse by Soviet actions. As they forced the German Army to retreat, crossed into Poland, and approached Warsaw, the Polish underground Home Army rose against the Germans and tried to take over Warsaw before the Russians could reach it. The Home Army was loyal to the Polish government in London, and on their behalf wanted to welcome Soviet forces into the city. The intent was to strengthen Polish demands for a free Poland after the war. The uprising was a disaster. The Russians halted their offensive near Warsaw and let the Germans massacre the Home Army, while forbidding any American or British planes from dropping supplies for the Home Army. After 63 days, and the death of 200,000 civilians and over 10,000 Polish combatants, the Home Army capitulated on October 2, 1944. The Germans then deported the remaining population and demolished virtually all of what remained of the city.



A comparison of both armed forces clearly indicates the problems faced by Poland.  Germany had 11 tank divisions compared to Poland’s 1;  Germany had 40 infantry divisions compared to Poland’s 30;  Germany four motorised divisions compared to none in Poland;  Germany had one cavalry brigade compared to Poland’s eleven

12

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

APPENDIX B: THE NIGHTMARES CAPTURED

Figure 1 (a) The SS Killing off Jews who are too old to work off Jews in Warsaw

(b) Kilssling

13

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 2 (a) A scene from the extermination camp mass grave dug and (b) Szpilman father gets hit by an SS officer for not saluting him

14

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 3 shows the resettlement of all the Jews in Warsaw into the small Jewish Ghetto

Figure 4 An old physically impaired person being thrown for the second floor apartment for not standing up on the orders of the Commanding officer.

15

Figure 5 shows A young being shot by the supervisor because she asked where they were taking them

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 6 showing Szpilman casually making his getaway from the boarding platform after being saved by a an acquaintance.

16

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 7 shows Szpilman escaping from the station taking the Jews to Treblinka and making disguise as a slave worker in order to get away from the area. On the table are dead children.

Figure 8 showing Szpilman along with other young men acting as slave labor for the Nazis in construction.

17

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 9 Showing him taking part in preparing for the uprising by smuggling weapons.

Figure 10 Shoes Szpilman making his escape from the Labor group.

18

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 11 Showing the remaining survivors of the uprising being killed off.

Figure 12 Showing Szpilman escaping the hideout after having his cover blown.

19

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 13 The day the the main Warsaw revolt began.

Figure 14 shows szpilman escaping into the ravaged city of Warsaw from where he acts as a innovator.

20

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 15 Shows Szpilman’s First confrontation with Captain Wilm Hosenfeld

Figure 16 Shows the food given to him by the Captain.

21

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

Figure 17 Shows Captain Hosenfeld providing further assistance to Szpilman

APPENDIX C: THE RELIGIOUS BELIEF 22

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

VERSES FROM BIBLE  

Matthew 24:13 ESV: But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 1 John 5:19 ESV: We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.  Revelation 20:4 ESV: Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.  Luke 21:36 ESV: But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”  Matthew 24:21-22 ESV: For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.  Ephesians 6:12 ESV: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Revelation 20:4-6 ESV: Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.  Revelation 19:8-11 ESV: It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  Revelation 18:24 ESV: And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”  Revelation 12:17 ESV: Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.  Acts 7:6-7 ESV: And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’    Matthew 24:22 ESV: And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

   Matthew 19:28 ESV: Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.    Matthew 7:13-14 ESV: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.    Zechariah 12:7 ESV: “And the Lord will give salvation to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not surpass that of Judah.    Psalm 22:1-31 ESV: To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.    Psalm 1:1-6 ESV: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;  Ephesians 5:1-6:24 ESV: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  Romans 1:26-27 ESV: For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.  Mark 13:22 ESV: For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.    Matthew 24:42 ESV: Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.  Daniel 7:25 ESV: He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.    Isaiah 41:10 ESV: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.    Psalm 83:1-5 ESV: A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. They say, “Come, let us wipe them out 24

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!” For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant—    Psalm 7:3 ESV: O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands,    Numbers 10:14 ESV: The standard of the camp of the people of Judah set out first by their companies, and over their company was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.    1 John 5:7-8 ESV: For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.    2 Peter 3:3-4 ESV: Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”    Hebrews 6:1 ESV: Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,  Hebrews 4:12 ESV: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  2 Timothy 2:4 ESV: No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  2 Thessalonians 2:3 ESV: Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,  Ephesians 5:14 ESV: For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV: For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,    Esther 3:8-15 ESV: Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.” Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring.  Romans 9:1-33 ESV: I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of

25

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

 

  

  

the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. Romans 8:5 ESV: For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Acts 17:30-31 ESV: The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Acts 4:12 ESV: And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 3:19 ESV: Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, Acts 3:19-21 ESV: Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Mark 10:14 ESV: But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Mark 7:7 ESV: In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ Psalm 50:15 ESV: And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

VERSES FROM THE HOLY QURAN Let us look at the Noble Verses 17:4-10: 4. And We gave (Clear) Warning to the Children of Israel in the Book, that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance (and twice would they be punished)!

5. When the first of the warnings came to pass, We sent against you Our servants given to terrible warfare: They entered the very inmost parts of your homes; and it was a warning (completely) fulfilled.

6. Then did We grant you the Return as against them: We gave you increase in resources and sons, and made you the more numerous in man-power.

7. If ye did well, ye did well for yourselves; if ye did evil, (ye did it) against yourselves. So when the second of the warnings came to pass, (We permitted your enemies) to disfigure your faces, and to enter your Temple as they had entered it before, and to visit with destruction all that fell into their power. 26

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

8. It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if ye revert (to your sins), We shall revert (to Our punishments): And we have made Hell a prison for those who reject (all Faith).

9. Verily this Qur'an doth guide to that which is most right (or stable), and giveth the Glad Tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward;

10. And to those who believe not in the Hereafter, (it announceth) that We have prepared for them a Penalty Grievous (indeed)."

Notice in Noble Verse 17:7 Allah Almighty said that He sent people who disfigured the faces of the Jews because of their mischief on earth. And notice in Noble Verse 17:8 Allah Almighty promised the Jews that He will repeat the punishment if they revert to doing mischief on earth.

It is strongly believed among many Germans and Europeans that the Jews were actually one of the main reasons why World War II happened. The Jews had control over the most powerful financial institutions (such as banks, real estates, and others) in Germany and Europe, and were exploiting it solely to their advantage to gain political controls and domination, exactly similar to their control and domination over the American financial institutions today in the US, where as a result of that the US foreign policy is always in the favor of Israel.

This is why Hitler decided to eliminate the Jews from Germany and the rest of the world. That is why the holocaust occurred, where the Nazi Germans literally baked the Jews in ovens, and killed in other ways such as poising them to death. It is the Jews' mischief in Germany and Europe that caused for their mass murder. It is the Jews' mischief that caused for the Nazi Germans to "disfigure their faces" as Allah Almighty promised the Jews to be punished for any mischief they cause on earth.

27

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

The Arrival of the Anti-Christ 

Sahih al-Bukhari > Afflictions and the End of the World

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar:Allah's Apostle said. "While I was sleeping, I saw myself (in a dream) performing Tawaf around the Ka`ba. Behold, I saw a reddish-white man with lank hair, and water was dropping from his head. I asked, "Who is this?' They replied, 'The son of Mary.' Then I turned my face to see another man with a huge body, red complexion and curly hair and blind in one eye. His eye looked like a protruding out grape. They said (to me), He is Ad-Dajjal." The Prophet added, "The man he resembled most is Ibn Qatan, a man from the tribe of Khuza`a. " (Bukhari English reference : Vol 9, Book 88, hadith 242, Arabic reference : Book 93, hadith 7215,Sahih al-Bukhari > Interpretation of Dreams :English Ref -Vol. 9, Book 87, Hadith 153 Arabic Ref :-Book 92, Hadith 7112,Sahih Muslim > The Book of Faith: English Ref : Book 1, Hadith 327 , Arabic Ref :- Book 2, Hadith 447)



Sahih Muslim > The Book Pertaining to the Turmoil and Portents of the Last Hour

Amir b. Sharahil Sha'bi Sha'b Hamdan reported that he asked Fatima, daughter of Qais and sister of ad-Dahhak b. Qais and she was the first amongst the emigrant women:Behold he (Dajjal) is in the Syrian sea (Mediterranean) or the Yemen sea (Arabian sea). Nay, on the contrary, he is in the east, he is in the east, he is in the east, and he pointed with his hand towards the east. I (Fatima bint Qais) said: I preserved it in my mind (this narration from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). (Sahih Muslim English reference: Book 41, Hadith 7028; Arabic reference : Book 55, Hadith 7573) 

Sahih Muslim > The Book Pertaining to the Turmoil and Portents of the Last Hour -> Hadith

Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:The Dajjal would be followed by seventy thousand Jews of Isfahan wearing Persian shawls. (Sahih Muslim English reference: Book 41, Hadith 7034; Arabic reference : Book 55, Hadith 7579) 

Sahih Muslim > The Book Pertaining to the Turmoil and Portents of the Last Hour

An-Nawwas b. Sam'an reported: He would appear on the way between Syria and Iraq and would spread mischief right and left. (Sahih Muslim English Reference: Book 41, Hadith 7015; Arabic Referenec : Book 55, Hadith 7559)

28

The Pianist: A Sociological Analysis

REFERENCES 1. HENSLIN, J. (2006) Essentials of Sociology: A DOWN-TO-EARTH-APPROACH 6th Edition. Boston: Pearson A&B. 2. Rees, L. Germany Invasion of Poland. [Online] Available at: http://ww2history.com/key_moments/Western/German_invasion_of_Poland 3. Agnew, R. (2006) Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency. CRIMINOLOGY. [Online] 30(1). P 47-88. Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-9125.1992.tb01093.x/citedby 4. Siekierski, M. (2004) A City under siege. HOOVER DIGEST. [Online] 1(4). Available at: http://www.warsawuprising.com/paper/hoover_digest.pdf 5. KENALL, D. (2007) SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES: The Essentials 6th Edition. California: Thomson Wadsworth. 6. Handerson, L & Taylor, F. (2013). Sociology the Essentials 7th Edition. California: Thomson Wadsworth. 7. WIKIPEDIA: THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA (2006) Invasion of Poland. [Online] Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Poland 8. Yad Vashem. (2005). The Holocaust. [Online]. Available at: http://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/holocaust/about/index.asp 9. Bibleforetoldholocaust.com, (2014). The Bible Foretold the Holocaust. [online] Available at: http://www.bibleforetoldholocaust.com/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2014]. 10. Openbible.info, (2014). What Does the Bible Say About Holocaust?. [online] Available at: http://www.openbible.info/topics/holocaust [Accessed 30 Nov. 2014]. 11. Exposed., T. (2012). Dajjal: In the Light of Quran and Sunnah.. [online] Dajjaliarrival.blogspot.com. Available at: http://dajjaliarrival.blogspot.com/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2014]. 12. Openbible.info, (2014). What Does the Bible Say About Holocaust?. [online] Available at: http://www.openbible.info/topics/holocaust [Accessed 30 Nov. 2014].

13.Wikipedia, (2014). History of the Arab–Israeli conflict. [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Arab %E2%80%93Israeli_conflict#War_of_1967 [Accessed 30 Nov. 2014].

29