Stephen Vincent Benet’s Short Story, ‘The Blood of the Martyrs’

Stephen Vincent Benet tells the story of a scientist during World War II who adheres to the truth and suffers for it. Detail of “Martyrdom of St. Thomas,” 1636, by Peter Paul Rubens. Public Domain

Too often powerful people hide the truth behind a façade of opinion and fake facts. They use their power to suppress and kill the truth-tellers who resist the lies.

In his powerful short story, “The Blood of the Martyrs,” Stephen Vincent Benet tells the story of a biochemistry professor during World War II. The Nazis arrest and torture Professor Malzius to extract information; when he continues to hold out, they offer him a deal so good that he complies with the state’s wishes. Yet deep down, Malzius knows that truth cannot be suppressed or denied.

Rehabilitation

Professor Malzius lays on the floor of his cell and stares at the ceiling. He had been arrested by the Nazis and imprisoned because of his association with students who conspired against the Nazis. The Nazis tortured and questioned him to make him reveal the students’ names.

Malzius endured the torture and did not reveal names or betray his much-missed students. He just yearns to return to his laboratory, so he can continue his biochemistry studies. But, he believes that the Nazis will never let him go.

His imprisonment drags on. Yet one particular day is different, Malzius soon discovers. A soldier arrives at his cell and demands that he get up, put on his glasses, and follow him. The general of the prison has summoned Malzius. Weak but obedient, Malzius shuffles through the prison yard to the general’s office, all the while expecting to meet a firing squad.

In the general’s office, Malzius realizes that there is another man in the room. Malzius salutes with a “Long live the state.” The general turns to the other man and says: “You see, he is well trained.”

Suddenly, Malzius sees that this newcomer is Hitler, the dictator himself. Realizing this, Malzius begins speaking: “I have been very well treated here. [...] I am Professor Gregor Malzius—professor of biochemistry. [...] My experiments on the migratory cells are not finished.” He assures them that he does not complain, but only wishes to continue his scientific experiments.

Hitler and the general acknowledge Malzius’s genius; he just had to go through rehabilitation because of his political beliefs. Now that he has been rehabilitated, they offer him the position as president of the National Academy, to be a science leader.

Truth Cannot Die

Malzius feels hopeful. He will get his laboratory back and be able to conduct his experiments again. What does he care about politics? He is a scientist, and scientists deal with the truth. He accepts the position.

However, when Hitler begins to tell him of his new duties as president of the National Academy, Malzius realizes something is wrong. What Hitler wishes cannot be proven. His wishes disregard the truth.

Benet’s story presents the certainty of a righteous life. As Abraham Lincoln said: “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.” When we carry truth, we have the courage to take a stand.

Through this powerful story, Benet conveys the power of truth. Truth brings light, clarity, and hope. It brings courage to impossible situations. As they cling to truth, truth-tellers preserve the past, redeem the present, and offer hope for the future.

Dictators may kill people, but as Malzius says, “You cannot kill truth.”

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