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The prescribed texts are the following short stories: > Die Fernsehshow (Moser, Milena) > Die Fernsehshow

Discussion questions: Die Fernsehshow

You are Rose and you are being interviewed for an article in a magazine. Answer the following questions in English:

1. Why did you apply to take part in the Hermann-Hermann-Show?
2. How did you feel when you were left by yourself at the beginning?
3. How do you think this happened?
4. Why did you stay there?
5. Why did you finally decide to leave?
6. How were you treated by Hermann Hermann and his assistants?
7. Were you looking forward to your appearance on the Hermann-Hermann-Show?
8. How do you feel, now that the show is over?

Note: The questions below are from the CD-ROM “Support materials HSC 2009‑2013: German Stage 6 Extension”, produced by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Association of Independent Schools of NSW Ltd.

Lines 1‑14
Da saß sie also…alles ganz anders vorgestellt.

1. “Things are seldom what they seem, skim milk masquerades as cream…”, according to the lyrics by Gilbert and Sullivan. The world of illusion has long been a theme of literature. Consider some of the themes from Die Fernsehshow, as they appear in the introduction (lines 1‑13).
2. What gives the impression that the studio has seen better days?
3. How is the feeling that things are slightly bizarre conveyed to the reader?
4. What gives the impression that Rose has been left here by mistake? How is she feeling as she waits?
5. Which statement(s) do you regard to be the most important in this introductory paragraph?
6. Why do you think the line Sie hatte sich alles ganz anders vorgestellt stands alone?

Lines 15‑48
Es war Hedwigs Idee…ein bisschen verwirrt.

1. What does the reader know about the Hermann-Hermann-Show at this stage?
2. Which sentence(s) or phrase(s) stand out for you as important in this section? Why?

Lines 49‑76
Rose verstand nicht recht…und trompetete ungeniert hinein.

1. Do you consider both women to be equal in this relationship, or does one take a more dominant role? In your discussion, make specific reference to the text.
2. Comment on the statement in Line 104 – Hedwig zuliebe.

Lines 77‑104
Rose konnte mit…Hedwig zuliebe.

1. Discuss the differences between the two friends. Which differences were forced upon them by their changed circumstances?

Lines 105‑131
Und Hedwig zuliebe saß sie…Hedwig hier wäre!

1. Comment on the opening statement in line 105: Und Hedwig zuliebe saß sie jetzt auf diesem klebrigen grünen Sofa.
2. How is Rose’s rising anxiety conveyed in this section?

Lines 132‑182
Rose verstand nicht…Rose lächelte.

1. What is rather poignant about Hedwig’s ‘crush’ on Hermann Hermann? Is there any indication that she actually sees him for what he is?
2. Why do you think she refers to him as der alte Gockel?
3. Why do you think she refers to her fourth husband as den Ungarn?
4. Comment on the inclusion of the line und wehe, wenn ich ihm die Haare zerzauste, das konnte er gar nicht leiden.
5. What mental picture do you have of Rose at this stage? Does this image fit with her portrayal so far (as a distracted, anxious, forgetful figure)?
6. This section provides us with a more detailed description of Rose. Does this coincide with, or differ from, the image you have already formed of her?

Lines 183‑241
Jetzt wurde es…die atemlos wartenden Kandidatinnen.

1. From line 189 to line 199 (Sie öffnete die Tür…das mit einem Pfeil auf die Toilettentür wies.), the reader walks with Rose as she tries to find her way towards the others. How does the author ensure that the reader empathises with Rose’s confusion and sense of abandonment?
2. From line 200 to line 227 (Und als sie aus der Kabine kam…Rose folgte ihr bis zum Studio.), after Rose has been discovered by Heidi, the sense of urgency is suddenly apparent and the tension mounts as the assistants race Rose through the preparatory steps. Identify the language used in this section by the author to convey:
   • a sense of urgency
   • the assistants’ impatience towards Rose.
3. In the studio, Rose joins the other candidates. It is clear from the description given that Rose stands apart. She is stylish, understated, dignified. How does this contrast with the appearance and behaviour of the two others, as portrayed in lines 231‑241 (Wo waren Sie denn?...etwas irritiert die atemlos wartenden Kandidatinnen.)?

Lines 242‑291
Alle da…aus dem Bildschirm.

1. What image do the following quotations give you of Hermann Hermann?
   • Er schubste sie näher zur Kamera, tätschelte ihr dann die Schulter, um die etwas grobe Geste zu kaschieren
   • Blöde Kuh, zischte er zwischen seinen begeistert gebleckten Zähnen, bevor er die Pause mit gekonntem Gelaber überbrückte.
2. The rising tension reaches its inevitable conclusion. Which paragraph or group of sentences is, for you, the most tense moment in this story (the point at which the climax is inevitable)? Does the author use any particular devices to portray this tension?
3. To whom does Rose address her concluding remarks? Why?
4. Comment on the reaction of the audience to Rose’s final action.
5. Comment on the author’s use of the underlined words:
   • …sagte sie mit ihrer tiefen Stimme
   • …und trat mit einem großen Schritt aus dem Bildschirm.
6. What impression is the reader left with, after the story has ended?