Closely Watched Trains Quotes

Quotes

"But that is what you get when there's no power over people."

Max

Max says this to mean that fornication or any sort of social action that devalues someone must be lorded over by someone else. It speaks to the Germans lording their power over the people. Because the people don't create a value system for themselves that allows culture to thrive and build a community in a positive way it gives the opportunity for some other domineering force to take control because it's seen as "necessary."

"Precisely, why? Because the enemies are crawling into a trap, can't you see it? Look carefully."

German Intelligence Officer

The German Intelligence Officer says this to Max and Hubicka while showing them the enemy forces on a map. Intercut is a woman rubbing her breast with a pencil as the men look on at her. His statement is meant about the battlefield, showing that they know the enemy and their traps. But in the same breath the men don't know their own personal traps with women, or how easily they are lured in by the physical attractions they experience.

"Woman, that's nature's jewel."

Station Master

The Station Master says this to Milos as the Countess rides away. He's speaking of the true value of a woman and Milos understands. But there is also an heir of valuing a woman for her physical beauty above all. We're able to understand the mixed understanding of this statement by seeing the shots Menzel chooses to represent the woman, which are shots that are physical and thus represent the lust of Milos and the other men.

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