ntenced to six months in prison (King). With the FBI following the couple, it put a lot of pressure and strain on them. Lillian Hellman’s relationship with Dashiell Hammett influenced many of her works. In particular “Watch on the Rhine” was mainly influenced by her relationship with Hammett and her experience in Germany.“Watch on the Rhine” was produced in 1941 and deals with the anti-nazi movement in Germany. Lillian Hellman’s trip to Germany in 1929 was said to have been “perhaps the seed for “Watch on the Rhine” (Mac Nicholas). Sara, a character in “Watch on the Rhine,” married Kurt Mueller who was active in the anti-nazi movement in Germany in the early 1930’s. Their relationship resembles Hellman’s and Hammett’s relationship. Sara and Kurt have three children and must travel a lot because of Kurt’s affiliations. Even though Sara’s life with Kurt is somewhat tough she “stands by her husband and his political beliefs”(Hellman overview). This relates to Lillian Hellman’s life with Dashiell Hammett. Hellman stood by him, enduring hardships. In “Watch on the Rhine” Sara states, “It doesn’t pay well to fight for what we believe in. But I wanted it the way Kurt wanted it” (Hellman Watch 253). This proves that Sara will stand by her man no matter what. Lillian Hellman also stayed with Hammett despite his drinking problem and his jail time. Hellman believed that her relationship with Hammett would be alright despite their problems. Sara also believes that everything will be fine with Kurt. She states Don’t be scared, darling. You’ll get back you’ll see. You’ve done it before- you’ll do it again. Don’t be scared you’ll get Max out alright. That’s fine you’ll do a good job, the way you’ve always done (Hellman Watch 280). Both Sara and Hellma...
