In Heinrich Böll’s story "Action Will Be Taken," the narrator finds himself working in a factory owned by Alfred Wunsiedel. Although he prefers pensiveness and inactivity, financial struggles push him to accept the job. The factory has a cheerful atmosphere, but the narrator feels something is off.
During an aptitude test, he answers absurd questions with sarcasm, revealing his disdain for the overzealous productivity culture. Wunsiedel embodies this mindset, constantly calling for "action" and expecting everyone to follow suit. The employees, like Broschek, are overwhelmed yet caught up in their routines, often sharing exaggerated tales of their lives.
One day, as Wunsiedel rushes in calling for action, he suddenly collapses and dies. The narrator feels a strange tenderness for him, realizing he never truly hated him despite the chaos Wunsiedel brought. He gently closes Wunsiedel’s eyes, showing a moment of empathy amidst the absurdity.
Broschek, initially in denial about Wunsiedel’s death, eventually acknowledges it. Together, they take action to deal with the situation, highlighting how the relentless push for productivity blinds them to deeper emotions. After Wunsiedel’s funeral, the narrator discovers his true calling as a professional mourner, where he finds meaning in his pensiveness and inactivity.
The story underscores the importance of empathy and recognizing the humanity behind actions. While Wunsiedel’s factory culture promotes constant activity, the narrator learns that true fulfillment comes from understanding emotions and connecting with others. Ultimately, he reflects on how he never even knew what the factory produced, emphasizing the disconnect between action and genuine human experience.
Thinking about empathy skills:
1. What exactly is empathy?
Ans: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It involves recognizing emotions and responding with care and compassion.
2. How is empathy is different from sympathy?
Ans: Empathy means understanding and feeling others' emotions. Sympathy means feeling pity for someone without really understanding them.
3. Do you think having empathy is important for human beings? Why?
Ans: Yes, empathy is important because it helps build strong relationships and fosters understanding. It promotes compassion and cooperation in communities.
