Ken Krimstein Hannah’s Search for Answers

In his graphic novel “The Three Lives of Hannah Arendt”, Ken Krimstein captures the philosopher's thinking and biography, creating an entertaining introduction to her ideas. Here is a brief insight into the life of the young Hannah.

Hannah Arendt grows up as the only child of engineer Paul Arendt and his wife Martha in a social democratic and non-religious home. From an early age, Hannah stands out for her lively mind, extraordinary curiosity and above-average intellect. When her father died of syphilis in 1913, she appeared composed, but the loss left a deep emotional scar. At the age of 14, she knows everything about Immanuel Kant and reads ancient Greek and Latin fluently. She is obsessed with tragedies and founds a theatre group consisting of herself and Hans, a friend.

Translation:

The Alchemy of Healing
Illustration 1 (top left): I know Mum doesn't know how to tell me.
Illustration 1 (top right): But I know. I know what dying is, and I know Papa died from paralysis and sexual intercourse.
Illustration 2 (left): When Mama talks about Papa, I pretend I don’t know – that helps her.
Illustration 2 (right): Yes, Mama, it’s sad Papa died because of sexual intercourse, but life goes on.
All we can do is keep living.
That’s why...

Illustration 3 (below): Can you give me some of Papa’s Kant books?
If I read everything he wrote, I’ll find out why Papa died and why Hans shouts at me.
Kant is the smartest person.
And one more question, Mama.
What is sexual intercourse?

Translation:

Illustration 1 (top left): When I was 14, I read all of Kant's books. But I still don't have all the answers. I suppose I'll have to read all the people who have read Kant.
Illustration 2 (top right): It's difficult, but I'm teaching myself Ancient Greek. I love tragedies. They make me aware of myself, make me feel I'm different. Real grief. So, I'm doing what any adolescent would do: I'm starting a theatre group.
Illustration 3 (right bottom): Ladies and gentlemen, the young Königsberg Tragedies are proud to present to you Oedipus Tyrannus by Sophocles. All parts are played by Miss Hannah Arendt in Ancient Greek. Except Hans, but he dies.* 

Illustration 3 (right bottom)
Martha, aren't these costumes wonderful!
And so charming.
Oh, they're just a few old rags.

Footnote at the bottom of the page:
The only other member of the club is Hans (we're friends again). I persuaded him to join in by telling him there would be murder and mayhem and he'd have to die. But honestly, I think he's taking part because he likes me.