September 18, 2007
Joseph Roth, 1894-1939
The Spider’s Web follows Theodor Lohse’s entrance into and rise within the Nazi Party in the years between the world wars.
from The Spider’s Web (Tusk/Overlook, 2003; translated by John Hoare)
Theodor put up with his portrait. He was no longer afraid of it
He wore a modern suit with padded shoulders and a single button on the jacket. He didn’t feel at home in this outfit. He couldn’t find the pockets, which were placed high and on the slant.
He forced his wide feet into narrow shoes made of thin leather. He froze, and his feet hurt, but he found them smart.
He should have gone to Munich. He had to talk with Seyfarth. “Don’t go,” said Elsa, “they’ll come to you.”
He was worried that they might not come. But he showed no trace of anxiety.
“My love,” said Elsa, “I just have to admire you.”
And he allowed her to admire him.
He lost his way a little. He began to believe what she said, to believe what she believed.
She went to church. “I’m used to it!” she said. And he went with her, because he was jealous.
She refused to enter a train compartment if there were Jews sitting there.
He would take her to another compartment.
They had to travel second class in the suburban railway. He bought no season tickets.
In Berlin she often felt tired. She wanted to take a taxi. And they took one.
She would look lovingly at Theodor’s portrait. And Theodor realized that his anxiety at the time had been exaggerated. It had been the excitement. Yes, he liked the portrait. Klaften had painted it when he still thought Theodor was a fellow traveller, Comrade Trattner.
“When did he paint you?” asked Elsa. “Do you know this Klaften?” And she was proud.
Theodor was waiting for his opportunity. He wanted to outline his career to his wife.
Once he did talk about it. He picked a suitable evening.
