Analysis of Heinrich Boll

When one gazes on these ornaments it brings about questions of their origin, who made them, and what was in their minds to spur their creativity. The age of these ornaments, and what joy it gave to the recipient can only be imagined. Authors may leave out details purposely in their stories to allow the readers to infuse their own imagination and knowledge. In “At the Bridge” Heinrich Boll leaves out important details such as setting and background information. This not only evokes the reader’s imagination, but it also causes them to question the intentions of the main character throughout the story.

Heinrich Boll creates an unnamed character that is hinted to be a veteran of World War II. “They have patched up my legs...” (416). This is the only information given about his injuries. The exact cause or extent of his wounds are not revealed. Whether he can walk remains a qu

estion that the reader can only answer with imagination. The readers of this story are capable of forming a different opinion of his disabilities. Yet, everyone reading it will feel sympathy for this character as the story unfolds. The readers can also question the setting and personal information of the main character. The lack of details will elicit emotion in readers as their experiences and personality dictates.

Boll creates a love between the main character and a girl who crosses the bridge twice a day. Although he watches this girl intently, paying no attention to the rest of the pedestrians, he never counts her. “They’re not going to take my little sweetheart and multiply her and divide her into a meaningless percentage (418).” This shows that counting his sweetheart will only degrade his love for her. He believes this is his special time, when he forgets his simple duties and focuses only on her. Even when the chief statistician came to check on his work, he refused to count his love. Since he was only one short during this

Some topics in this essay:
War II, , Heinrich Boll, main character, boll creates, brings questions, heinrich boll, lack details, counting people, throughout story, 416 information, questions brought, reader’s imagination,