The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael meets aged Hanna in the prison canteen, offers housing and work, and learns she has taught herself to read; she says the dead remain dead.

Scene 183 of 196 · ≈ 3 min on screen · Act two

Plot Point II
Ms Brenner
Hanna
Michael

Act oneAct two

Begins 1:10 into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 183

As a law student, Michael sees Hanna, his former lover, on trial for war crimes and must face the secret that shaped their teenage relationship.

Scenes 1–6
In 1995, Michael prepares breakfast for Brigitte, then is alone in his apartment and looks out the window.
Scenes 7–24
The sick schoolboy Michael accepts Hanna’s help and returns to her.
Scenes 25–35
Michael enters an intimate relationship with Hanna, organized around his reading to her.
Scenes 36–96
Michael alternates between time with Hanna and school; their reading ritual and cycling trip continue while he also spends time with friends.
Scenes 97–104
At the trial, Michael finds Hanna among the defendants and hears her admit involvement in selections.
Scenes 106–137
Testimony reveals Hanna’s role; Michael’s discovery of her illiteracy cannot prevent her conviction.
Scene 155
Michael records himself reading the Odyssey aloud onto tape.
Just before
Scene 180
Michael walks along the prison wall and registers at the entrance.
Scene 181
Brenner meets Michael in the prison yard and says they expected him earlier.
Scene 182
Brenner warns Michael that Hanna has changed and become less purposeful in recent years.
Scene 183
This scene

183INT. CANTEEN. PRISON. DAY

MS BRENNER leads MICHAEL to the door of the canteen.

MS BRENNER

They’re in the canteen. They’re

just finishing lunch.

MICHAEL sees an OLD WOMAN who is sitting at a table. Her blue dress is stretched too tight across her heavy body. Her hair is grey. She has a book in her lap, but she’s not reading it. A few PRISONERS are finishing their meal.

It takes MICHAEL a moment to realise the OLD WOMAN is HANNA. Then HANNA becomes aware of being watched. She turns and looks round. At once her face lights up. MICHAEL smiles back, but as he approaches her, he fixes onto her inquiring look and sees the light go out of her eyes, as if she has looked at him and been disappointed. He sits down opposite her. She smiles, weary.

HANNA

You’ve grown up, kid.

She takes his hand. There is a long silence, MICHAEL unable to think of anything to say. He withdraws his hand.

MICHAEL

I’ve got a friend who’s a tailor,

he makes my suits. He’ll give you a

job. And I’ve found you somewhere

to live. It’s a nice place. Quite

small but nice. I think you’ll like

it.

HANNA

Thank you.

There’s a moment’s silence.

MICHAEL

There are various social

programmes, cultural stuff I can

sign you up for. And there’s a

public library very close.

HANNA nods slightly.

MICHAEL

You read a lot?

HANNA

I prefer being read to.

There is a short silence.

HANNA

That’s over now, isn’t it?

MICHAEL doesn’t answer.

HANNA