Kate Winslet - Michael/Hanna [The Reader] #1: Because he never really forgot her - Page 4

**Lennie1984** · 04-18-2009, 03:59 AM

The trip was good, i think Hanna felt free then

Added you

LukaAbbyLover · 04-18-2009, 10:07 AM

Thanks

**LG rocks my socks** · 04-18-2009, 08:59 PM

Just watched the movie

I was a little irked at the age difference while watching, but things like the cycling trip made me realize how their relationship had progressed.

Even until the end, they always thought of each other.

It was so sweet when Michael sent the tapes.

Elizabeth_88 · 04-19-2009, 04:51 AM

yeh thats the bit i loved when later on micheal sent the tapes even though he new what she had done but it obviously pleased Hanna in the realization that she as not alone and that he had not forgotten her -i agree about the age difference but i got used to it as the story went on as the relationship seemed to make sense

**Lennie1984** · 04-19-2009, 08:21 AM

I agree, the relationship based on how it progressed made sense

Great scene of him sending the tapes and she knew who it was, Michael could never forget her

Elizabeth_88 · 04-19-2009, 12:06 PM

i think Michael made Hanna feel like a kid again especially on the trip they took but at the same time i think it made Michael older than he actually was as he wasnt spending any time with his friends from school or found it difficult too

i really really want to watch this film again cant wait to buy it-although i was so sad in how things ended with Hanna even with the things she had done-maybe it was because kate was playing her

**Lennie1984** · 04-20-2009, 05:55 AM

You feel for Hanna, even though she has done wrong in a sense

Jojo · 04-20-2009, 07:16 AM

Finally watched the movie and am over halfway in finishing the book, so I have to agree with the above points here:

The age difference irked me in the beginning, but as it progressed, I could see the depth and honesty of their relationship.

She does make you somewhat feel for her in spite of yourself.

Spoiler:

I think Michael sending her the tapes was a way for him to redeem himself in some way, too. Since he didn't speak up for her during the trial, this was one thing he could do for her to make her feel that someone actually cared for her.

michelle ling · 04-23-2009, 09:15 AM

Spoiler:

And Michael really enjoyed himself for reading for her, 'cause she was such a great listener. She would even cry for the characters he was reading. Before Hannah, he had no confidence in his reading, but after her, he became a lawyer. In some way, Hannah made Michael who he was.

Jojo · 04-23-2009, 12:47 PM

Spoiler:

She really did. But I also think their relationship destroyed him in some way. Their passion and after-school rendevouz were something that impacted Michael stronger than I think he had expected. He's very conflicted, trying to come to terms with the realities at hand, but not knowing quite where to go.

michelle ling · 04-23-2009, 09:32 PM

Spoiler:

True. Michael gained a potential career and lost the ability to love. And after Hannah dead, I think he finally was able to move on, and starting to love again. To love his daughter, as well as himself.

Jojo · 04-23-2009, 10:33 PM

Spoiler:

ITA. He could finally put that "ghost" behind him and not be haunted by guilt and agonizing longing anymore. With Hanna's death, no matter how much that pained him, he was liberated in a way. He was able to tell his daughter his story without feeling the need to hide anything.

michelle ling · 04-23-2009, 11:45 PM

Yeah. So in a way it is a story about love and forgiveness. In the end, they both forgive themselves - Hannah forgave herself for illiteracy, and Michael forgave himself for loving her.

**LG rocks my socks** · 04-24-2009, 07:17 AM

Why do y'all think Michael had to forgive himself for loving her? Was it because of the fact that they had the affair in general? or because of the kind of person Hanna turned out to be? or maybe because of the effect that this relationship had on his entire life afterwards?

Just trying to discuss

Jojo · 04-25-2009, 06:03 AM

I just finished the book and I think it's the latter two. I believe each one of those circumstances plays a part in why he feels so guilty. The first one could also be a factor, but I think that would be more on Hanna's side than his.

I think he had to forgive himself for loving her, although you shouldn't really have to apologize for that. Their relationship forged his life in some way. It kind of destroyed his ability to function properly, but I think that was mostly after the trial. He knew the full extent of her actions after that, and that impacted him greatly. He may have developed the inability to relate to other people because he was afraid he would get hurt to that extent again.