The Winged Watchman

Given the ambiguous nature of war and its associated hardships, The Winged Watchman is full of moments that muddy the waters of morality. While the author makes it a point to stress the idea that human beings are inherently fallible, the Verhagens and many Dutch citizens exemplify the bravery required to choose what is moral and correct, no matter the circumstances. This courage is most evident in their various acts of resistance against the Germans. For example, when Uncle Cor outlines Joris’s role in the plan to get Charles King to the Watchman, Mother is horrified that her son may be shot if he is caught by the Germans, but she does not forbid her son from contributing to the endeavor. Her shock and sudden silence highlight her abrupt realization that the consequences of rebellion are severe, a fact that Cor, her brother, must confront every day in his work with the Underground. Yet, at the same time, her fortitude and her family’s willingness to do what they can for the cause highlight the courage required to defy oppression. Mother herself repeatedly chooses the harder path, as when she raises Trixie as her own, provides food for starving strangers, and lies to Leendert to protect the girls. 

On a larger scale, the Dutch citizens organize and find ways to make broader protests against current events, and these actions sometimes contain deeper ethical nuances that are not quite clear-cut. In particular, a railway strike emphasizes the sacrifices that are sometimes required in order to remain true to one’s principles. With the halting of the trains, “there [a]re no more trains to transport cattle, food, fuel, and men into Germany, but there also [a]re no trains to bring food to cities, and many Dutch people face[] starvation” (91). Collectively, the Dutch hamper the German war effort by limiting the transport of their supplies, well aware that they, too, will suffer without deliveries of food and supplies to the cities. Individually and collectively, the characters demonstrate that they have the necessary fortitude to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

In accordance with this idea, the author also suggests that courage is needed in times of peace as well, and Mother’s actions demonstrate that making the right decision often requires different kinds of strength. Once the war ends and all their guests leave, including Trixie, Mother tells the family, “We did have one thing during the war that kept us going: we felt responsible for our neighbors, and I don’t think we need lose that. It’s up to us!” (190). Her emphasis on providing aid to others is clearly not limited to wartime circumstances, and by declaring her intentions to keep showing kindness to others in her community, she teaches her children that even the harsh lessons learned in the midst of conflict can translate into times of peace. The narrative implies that when there is less at stake, it can be challenging to make a moral decision. Mother’s words encourage her family to maintain the strong values that they have developed. She demonstrates this idea herself when Mrs. Groen returns from the camps and reunites with her long-lost daughter. Although Mother loves Trixie dearly, she is adamant in encouraging the girl to return to her mother. She tells Mrs. Groen, “She is yours; she is all you have. I wouldn’t dream of keeping her. I didn’t take her to please myself, but to help you” (187). In this emotionally challenging moment, Mother needs a different sort of courage to give Trixie up because she loves the girl. In this way, Mother proves that the importance of making ethical choices persists even in the absence of war.