Source: Poem by Martin Niemöller, a German Lutheran Christian scholar and pastor, written c. 1950. First They Came . . . First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. 1. In the poem, who is “they”? How do you know? 2. What is the main idea of this poem? 3. This poem was written in the 1950s, after the end of World War II—what was the purpose of this poem?
1. In the poem, "they" refers to the oppressors or persecutors who came for different groups of people one by one. The initial targets were the socialists, then the trade unionists, followed by the Jews, and eventually the speaker himself. The use of "they" suggests a collective entity responsible for the acts of persecution.
2. The main idea of this poem is the danger of remaining silent or apathetic towards injustice and oppression. It emphasizes the significance of speaking out and defending the rights and freedoms of others, as failing to do so ultimately leads to one's own demise.
3. The purpose of this poem, written in the 1950s after the end of World War II, was to reflect on the tragic consequences of indifference and silence during the Nazi regime. It serves as a reminder of the moral responsibility to stand up against injustice and serves as a warning against the dangers of widespread apathy and conformity. It also seeks to emphasize the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of oppression.