Did Renate's attitude surprise you? What do you think the future holds for Renate and the other "mothers in training"?

Renate tells Irma that the best part of all the parties at Heim Hochland isn't the presents, it's the free sex. Did her attitude surprise you? What do you think the future holds for Renate and the other "mothers in training"?

My heart really went out to those young women who were basically brainwashed to believe they were doing something noble. Renata seemed a bit flippant about it all, but I think she did care. As far as their futures, those forced to give up their babies, may be haunted in the future. I think there will be regrets that may affect them greatly.

I know that fake front Renate had to put up. I've been down that road before. She had to put up that armor every day and get through it. So very sad; these girls really had no other choice.

It didn't really surprise me because it was her mode of survival...very sad.

The "I don't care" attitude covers a multitude of sorrows. I think Renate was wise enough to know she was better off at the home than on the streets.

By claiming that the free sex was the best part of being at Heim Hochland Renate was denying that she had no choice, denying that she was used, trying to believe that she had control over her life when in fact she had none.

I agree with K - Renate's response was a front, not just to those around her but also to herself.

I think that the 'mothers in training' had been brainwashed that they played an important role in the success of the war. If they could get pregnant and have a baby, it would be an honor for them.

I admit I was puzzled by Renate's comment about sex being the best part of being a "mother-in-training." The comments above make a lot of sense, and I suspect it was a combination of all of them - brainwashing, a realization that she was better off at Heim Hochland than elsewhere, and/or denial that she was being used and had no control over the situation.

heartbreak, fear, probably sadness

I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments above. I found it hard to believe that Renate really thought that free sex was the the best part, so it makes sense that she was putting up a front, making the best of her situation she found herself in. She was young, and probably wasn’t sure if life had anything better to offer her, at that point with a war looming.

I agree with everyone else, Renate’s attitude was more of a way to fake it ‘til you make it attitude.