(1) The Apprentice

[Tony, Emperor and Autocrat]

Here is the first discussion post for the Faithful Executioner! Like the previous book, please post at least one question and one response!

Here is my question:

In early modern Germany, executioners were seen as a stain to society. We see this when Frantz and his father lived in Hof (a Lutheran town). When they later moved to Bamberg (a Catholic city), the people were less bothered by the role of an executioner. What are some possible reasons why executioners were treated differently throughout Germany? Do you think it was due to religious reasons or was it a geographical issue?

[Ryan]

Wow, what a fascinating first chapter! I'm quite fond of how the author goes about exploring the setting and how he really pulls no punches in regard to graphically explaining the woes faced by those living in 20th century Europe. I can't even begin to imagine what life would be like in a world where people only had a 1 in 2 chance of surviving til age 12 (!)

My question for you all: Although we can only speculate, what do you think the father-son dynamic between Heinreich and young Frantz was like as he was growing up? I know I certainly wouldn't have been able to stomach assisting in executions when I was in middle school!

[Joe]

Why don’t we have a town dog-slayer (knacker) anymore?

[Ryan]

Joe wrote: "Why don’t we have a town dog-slayer (knacker) anymore?"

Good question, Joe! Although I'm no expert, I can imagine there's several reasons why we don't have town dog-slayers (knackers) anymore. Firstly, back in Frantz's time dogs were carriers of dangerous diseases (most notably rabies) and as such had to be culled to prevent outbreaks (remember, no modern medicine!). Furthermore, there's been a cultural shift in which people have generally adopted a more humane "life is sacred" stance in regard to animals and how they should be treated, this is especially true for Dogs, who are now commonly recognized as household pets instead of disease carriers. There's also been technological advances that have rendered the knacker's profession obsolete, such as standardized advanced sanitation and spaying / neutering procedures. I'd imagine that back in Frantz's era, you'd have to sleep on your toes when you're on the street, or else you'd be picked out like easy meat!

[Tony, Emperor and Autocrat]

Here is my response to Ryan's question:

When reading this first chapter, I thought that Frantz and his father had a close relationship, even if they bonded over a gruesome career! Since executioners were often isolated from society in Germany, Frantz likely didn't have any masculine role models besides his father in his life. This could lead to him wanting to be just like his father by taking up the family mantle as executioner. I can't say this for certain since most executioners were forced to take up their father's jobs due to societal norms.