DEAR MR.
KILMER – THEME
THE CHALENGGES OF GROWING UP
 Richard has problems fitting in with society. He
likes to be alone and daydream rather than
play games.
 Richard had little chances of communicating
with Pa who is often silent and reserved.
 Besides that, the talented and perceptive
Richard has doubts about his ‘hidden poetic
talent’. It makes him and oddball who feels
‘alone even when I’m around other people’
(p.27).
 Another challenge faced by Richard is his
relationship with Hannah, which cause him to
be taunted as a ‘Hun Lover’.
PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
 After America goes to war against the Germans,
a majority of the community in Turtle Lake are
unable to accept the Schermers living in the
neighbourhood.
 Their tavern is vandalized by the locals and
Hannah is bullied and ridiculed in school.
LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND FAMILY
RELATIONSHIPS
 Though often taken for granted by Pa and Gus,
Angie proves to be the ‘heart’ of the family –
loving, compassionate and non-judgemental.
Richard is able to find some comfort and
safety with Angie in the kitchen whenever he
feels left out by Pa and Gus (p.16).
 After Richard’s poetic tribute to Kilmer is
published in the local paper. Pa relates ‘A
world is gone!’ to when Roland was killed in
the Cuban War.
 The Schermer’s family, in contrast, is a more
balanced and happy one. There is joy,
laughter, communication, music, singing,
books, and literature in their home. Richard
finds their home and ‘oasis’ after the silence
of his own family.
PATRIOTISM
 As the country goes to war, the spirit of
patriotism runs high and the people
demonstrate their loyalty to the country in
many ways.
 Many young men volunteer to serve the country
including Mr. Kilmer, Otto and Gus.
 Those who do not go to war show their support
by rationing their meals, buying Liberty Bonds
and organizing programmes to help the war
effort.
SACRIFICE
 Some of the characters make sacrifices in their
own way throughout the course of the story.
 Angie sacrifices her education I order to take
care of her family after her mother’s death.
She as much higher responsibilities
 Hannah sacrifices her role as Lady Liberty in
order to keep the peace in her community.
 Roland Knight and Kilmer made the ultimate
sacrifice. They both lose their lives in the war
while serving their country.
PEER PRESSURE
 Turtle Lake is a small town whose residents
mainly consist of farmers. As such, the people
have set ideas on what is considered
acceptable behavior.
 For example, boys are expected to participate
in hunting and sports. Therefore, when
Richard admits that he does not like hunting,
his father is disappointed.
 When Richard stands up for Hannah, he is
called a traitor.
THE EFFECTS OF WAR
 The story is set during World War 1 and the
effects of war are portrayed significantly in
the novel.
 Loss if lives – many people die during the war
and many children grow up without parents.
Kilmer too loses his life in battle.
 War creates hatred and prejudice which divides
people, nations and countries at large.
CULTURAL IDENTITY
 Despite having lived in America for many years,
the Schermers retain their cultural identity.
 While they are loyal Americans citizens, at
home they still speak German, eat German
food and listen to German songs.
Prepared by: PORSHOTHMAN ELENGGOVEN
SMJK Chung Hua
 DEAR MR. KILMER – THEME
 This suggests that one’s culture will always be a
part of one’s identity, regardless of where one
lives.

Prepared by: PORSHOTHMAN ELENGGOVEN

SMJK Chung Hua