Michael Holtzapfel hangs himself and leaves a note for Frau Holtzapfel saying that he loves her, but he’s going to meet Robert. Hans has to tell Frau Holtzapfel and stand with her while she hugs her son’s body. Then, he walks her home.

Analysis

Here, the guilt of living, or survivor’s guilt, can cause people to take extreme actions, even commit suicide. The cold and snow of Stalingrad extends all the way into Frau Holtzapfel’s kitchen.