The Boy at The Top of the Mountain

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What is the definition of a dictator? How are dictators or authoritarian figures different from other types of world leaders? Who is Adolf Hitler, and what methods did he use to spread his ideology?

Teaching Suggestion: Pierrot, the novel’s protagonist, is the son of a French woman and a German man. Before World War II, he loses both of his parents and is sent to Germany, where he then lives in Berghof, the home of Hitler. Hitler grooms Pierrot and eventually convinces him to accept his Nazi ideology. Based on what they might know from novels, class study, films, and other connected sources, students might discuss Hitler’s persuasive nature and methods for influencing the populace. Utilizing the information in these and similar resources, you might introduce the reasoning behind Germany’s desperate straits after World War I and have readers explore the use of media to spread Hitler’s ideology.

• This article discusses the difference between totalitarianism, authoritarianism, and fascism.
• This 6-minute video explores Hitler’s rise to power before World War II.
• This article explores Hitler’s political campaign and the organization of his government.

Short Activity

First, create a class definition for the term “propaganda.” Then, explore the use of propaganda in World War II to spread information and ideologies. Answer the questions below as you conduct research.

• What is the purpose of propaganda?
• What countries used propaganda during World War II?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of communication?
• What forms of media were used to circulate propaganda?
• How was art used to further the agenda of various countries?
• Is propaganda effective?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may need to understand that propaganda on both the Axis and Allied sides can show racist, sexist, or offensive depictions of people groups. One aspect of Hitler’s success in rising to power was his effective use of propaganda and persuasive speeches to sway an audience suffering from the aftermath of World War I. Consider allowing students to analyze propaganda on both Axis and Allied sides to identify and compare the use of persuasive rhetoric. It may be beneficial for students to identify and record the methods Hitler used to manipulate characters in the novel.

• The 2-minute video defines propaganda.
• This article explores the use of propaganda for both Allied and Axis forces.
• This link includes an archive of US propaganda posters during World War II.
• This article explores the use of propaganda in Great Britain.
• This 8-minute video explains why Hitler’s propaganda was effective.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Do you know people whose personalities, mannerisms, or behaviors have changed because of time spent with a new friend or mentor? Did you find the changes alarming or reassuring? What impact might peers, friends, media, or other sources have on our personalities and behaviors?

Teaching Suggestion: As Pierrot spends more time with Hitler, he becomes angrier and more arrogant, and he starts to belittle the staff at Hitler’s estate. It may be helpful to define and offer examples of mannerisms before students attempt the prompt. They might respond first in writing and then discuss to what extent others have an impact on mannerisms and ideologies. For open class discussion, you may want to allow or encourage examples from novels and films instead of students’ own lives.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require an additional challenge may find it beneficial to research the extent to which young people are influenced by and become more like those they spend time with. Students can create an infographic describing why it is important to choose peers and companions wisely, according to science, or how to limit the impact of a potential negative influence.