B1 · 4,636 words · English

Schindler's List

Thomas Keneally

Schindler's List is a haunting and powerful story of one man's extraordinary transformation during one of history's darkest times. Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, begins World War II as an opportunist seeking wealth by exploiting Jewish labor in Nazi-occupied Poland. However, as he witnesses the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand, his motivations change. He begins to use his factory and influence to save as many Jewish lives as he can, turning from a self-serving entrepreneur into a heroic savior. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, vividly portrays Schindler's moral awakening and the profound impact one individual can have in the face of unimaginable evil. Through his courage, sacrifice, and growing compassion, Schindler creates a "list" that saves over a thousand lives, offering a message of hope, humanity, and the power of individual action. This gripping narrative, with its unforgettable moments and complex characters, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the difference one person can make in the world.

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Words you’ll meet

The words readers of this text looked up most, each with its meaning and the line it comes from.

profound / prəˈfaʊnd /adjective

Very great or intense

The film explores profound themes of love and loss.

deepintensesignificant

inflicted / ɪnˈflɪkt /verb

to cause something unpleasant to be suffered by someone or something

Through these events, Schindler begins to witness the inhumanity and suffering inflicted by the Nazi regime.

imposedeliveradminister

stark / stɑːrk /adjective

severe or bare in appearance or outline

This visual style emphasizes the stark contrast between the brutality of the Nazi regime and the flickers of hope represented by Schindler's actions.

austereseveregrim

relentless / rɪˈlɛntləs /adjective

Never-ending or unyielding

The relentless pursuit of excellence.

persistentunyieldingincessant

the plight / ðə plaɪt /noun

a difficult or unfortunate situation

At this stage, Schindler remains indifferent to the plight of his Jewish workers.

predicamenttroublehardship

seized / ˈsizd /verb

To take possession of (something) forcibly or without right

The Nazis seized the factory.