Spectator

In Forgetting Lot's Wife, Harries introduces the concept of the spectator. The spectator is like the witness or listener where they experience the trauma felt by the victim or survivor. Sebald becomes a spectator as he looks at the painting and feels like he is going out of his mind. It's like he steped away from himself and allowed himself to become completely vulnerable to insanity. Harries also mentions how since Sebald's parents couldn't remember the burning of Nurnberg or his father couldn't remember the beauties of Dresden, he was without those memories as well. Therefore, he replaced those memories with the painting.

You are Damned, We are Saved is focused around the idea of social groups and how the members within them lose their identities. Starting as early as middle school, children are introduced to different socials groups that corrupt their individuality. She gives the example of her friend's daughter becoming a born again Christian and how she disrespects her family. The only way to prevent losing your identity is to choose to not to be apart of any social groups and to be an individual. But this is easier said than done.