Men and Women in Hitlerjunge Quex

How is gender represented in Hitlerjunge Quex? Which concepts of femininity and masculinity are offered by the Communists? By the National Socialists?

In this film, the concepts of femininity and masculinity are presented in very interesting and distinct ways. This is done, I believe, to show the viewer how much different these concepts are between the Communists and National Socialists. When one watches the film, then, they notice that for the Communists, to be masculine is to be very domineering and controlling. The men seem to have all of the answers to life's problems and will stop at nothing to get their way. This is presented most obviously in Father Volker and Stoppel. Both of these men are presented as incredibly controlling individuals who are more than willing to force anyone, even children and women, to do what they want. As for women, the one Communist woman who is most obviously present is Gerda, although one could possibly argue that Heine's mother can go here as well. Gerda is shown as a very manipulative female, using her feminine qualities seductively to further the cause. She is a woman who is very independent and spontaneous, without, it would seem, any true set of moral standards besides always trying to get her (or Stoppels) way. Heine's mother, on the other hand, is seen as very weak and submissive. She is not empowered to be her own person and is simply stuck in an aweful situation, one that leads to her eventual death.

The way masculinity and femininity is presented within National Socialism, on the other hand, is in a way that not only highlights differences but also equality. Within National Socialism, as opposed to the Communists, we are presents with boys (rather than men) who are extremely disciplined and hold very strong convictions. They know how to take orders and what their role is, yet they are also shown as being extremely proud of this and able to enjoy life regardless. A scene that helps one truly understand masculinity in National Socialism is when Heine demands that he go back to his district to distripute leaflets. Although his commander is angry and will not let him go, by being firm and standing by his convictions, Heine is able to explain to his commander why he must go, persuading him and gaining a big smile and word of encourgament from his commander. To be a male is to be persuasive, strong, disciplined, and willing to fight for ones convictions, first and foremost, in a rational and positive way. Females in National Socialism, on the other hand, are not portrayed in this film as being any less than men. Although they certainly have different attributes, the primary females character, Ulla, is seen as being an equal with her brother and Heine. She is disciplined and very strong willed as well, attempting to persuade her brother that Heine is not the enemy and can be trusted. To be a woman (and again, we find this through a girl) is to be different only in gender. Although we all know that the policies of the Third Reich were much different towards women, here, through Ulla, women could gain the sense that they play just as much of a role as men (it is Ulla who helps Heine reprint the leaflets) and will always be their equals.