Otto of the Silver Hand

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes descriptions of child abuse and graphic violence.

The tone of the narrative posits that the dichotomy of good and evil exists within every person and lies at the heart of much of the internal and external conflict that Otto experiences during his young life. Otto is born into a family that has always survived by the “iron hand” of violence and thievery, but he is raised in a monastery where peace and kindness are promoted and celebrated as the ultimate keys to a virtuous life. Otto therefore experiences both worlds and is able to develop a unique perspective as a result. At the end of the story, his wisdom becomes an essential aspect of the positive social changes that occur as a result of his influence.

Otto understands “both the good and the bad of men” (2) because of his early teachings at the monastery and his experiences upon returning to Castle Drachenhausen. Originally, Otto was taught in absolutes, believing that people could not be both good and evil. Upon meeting his father, however, he finds that there is at least one man who is not as simplistic as embodying one or the other. Baron Conrad takes pride in attacking others, even those who are innocent or begging for mercy, but he is deeply compassionate toward his family. Otto sees this contradiction and realizes that there are two sides to his father. 

Similarly, other characters such as one-eyed Hans demonstrate that a person can have loose morals in one sense and firm morals in another. While Hans has no issues with using violence to get his way, he also considers Otto’s feelings on the matter, even if he lives to regret it. A significant example occurs when he invades Baron Henry’s castle and has mercy on the man who shows him to Otto’s cell. As Hans wryly comments, “See now what comes of being merciful; here, by hook or by crook, the fellow has loosed himself from his bonds, and brings the whole castle about our ears like a nest of wasps” (140). Ultimately, however, Hans demonstrates strong loyalty toward Baron Conrad and his family, no matter the cost.

While Abbot Otto hopes that Otto’s presence will influence Baron Conrad to leave the ways of violence behind, the boy’s presence instead only leads to further violence in the form of revenge. Ultimately, the Baron does all in his power to save his son because he feels an overwhelming sense of guilt and responsibility for his part in Otto’s suffering. Upon their reunion, he exclaims over the boy’s injury: “‘My son my little child!’ he cried, in a choked, trembling voice, and that was all. And Otto pressed his cheek against his father’s and began crying” (138). Thus, the Baron attempts to make amends by sacrificing himself to save the son who suffered greatly in his stead.