Essay Questions

Why is Anton Steenwijk struggling with self-identity throughout his life?

Antony is born and raised in Haarlem during the Nazi occupation which is a difficult time. Unfortunate events take place and he loses his parents when he is twelve years old. He ends up living with his aunt and uncle who take care of him. Antony's painful past is haunting and depressing him. For instance, when he remembers how his parents perished, he gets more confused because he fails to understand the purpose of his life. Growing without the love of his parents makes him sad. There are many things he does not understand about himself and that is why he is struggling with his self-identity despite being a grown-up and a father of two children.

What is the main conflict in The Assault novel by Harry Mulisch?

The ghastly action of the Nazi military on Antony's family is the major conflict of the novel. It is during World War II when the German Nazi military descends on Antony's parents and killing them. Antony is left an orphan at an early age and the events of that day confuse him till today. Many people die during the war and only Antony who is the protagonist of this story survives.

Why are Antony’s parents being killed by the Nazi Soldiers?

The Nazi soldiers think that the death of the Fake Ploeg is linked to Antony’s parents. The body of the Fake Ploeg is found in front of Antony’s house. However, Antony’s family is not aware and has no clue on how that body was dumped in their compound. The Fake Ploeg is killed by someone and then took the body to Antony’s compound. Therefore, the Nazi soldiers kill Antony’s parents mercilessly because they linked them to the death of the Fake Ploeg who is a Nazi collaborator.