I think it’s pretty safe to say that we all despise Hans. Honestly, he’s the worst. Something’s wrong with you if you admire his back-stabbing betrayal, consuming selfishness, and complete disregard for the lives of Anna and Elsa.
But why aren’t people so bent-out-of-shape about Rolf? I feel like everybody exclaims, “Aww, "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" what a sweet song! So innocent and pure. Isn’t he just the best?” No. I don’t think so. It’s not so sweet and pure when he turns out to be a hypocrite and joins the Nazis.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of parallels between these two crummy characters and I hope you enjoy it. These are just what came to my mind initially so, if you think of any more, feel free to add them in the comments.
1. Love interest of major female role
I’m starting out with the obvious. Hans catches Anna’s eye (and vice versa) and Liesl is head-over-heels for Rolf. Ah…young, deceitful love.
2. The charm factor
Hans to Anna: “I would never shut you out.” (knowing she’s been shut out by Elsa her whole life).
Rolf to Liesl: [narrating a "telegram" for Liesl] “Dear Liesl, I would like to tell you how I feel about you. STOP. Unfortunately, this wire is already too expensive. Sincerely, Rolf.”
These are some smooth talkin’ lads for sure.
3. Catchy tunes
Hans and Anna take on "Love Is an Open Door" and Liesl and Rolf bust out "Sixteen Going on Seventeen." Both are great songs. For the first time watching these movies, these songs are precious and completely innocent. But, alas, both guys turn out to be trash, which, at least for me, diminishes some of the magic surrounding each song.
4. A leadership role (to some extent) in the community & the betrayal of said community
When Elsa loses it, Anna leaves Hans in charge of the kingdom. Rolf is the Salzburg mailman. They’re not necessarily on the same scale but still, they both have responsibilities. Hans obviously betrays this leadership position when he tries to kill the queen and assume power over the kingdom. Rolf betrays the city of Salzburg, of which he is an employee, by joining the Nazis who overtake the city. So, in both situations, the guys are pansies.
5. The point of murder
Hans is guilty of attempting to murder both Anna and Elsa. What a guy. (Sarcasm). Rolf literally points a gun at Captain von Trapp and if he ever did end up shooting him, who knows? He very well could have killed the rest of the family. Threatening to kill family members is NOT the way to a girl’s heart, gentlemen.
6. Heart-breaker
We started with an obvious fact, so we'll end on one too. Hans completely breaks Anna's heart when he comes so close to kissing her and then mutters, "Oh Anna, if only someone truly loved you." Ouch. Rolf devastates Liesl when he basically blows her off to carry out his despicable Nazi business. Um hello, that's a red flag, sister. (OMG I didn't even get that joke until after I typed it and it's too good to go back and erase now). Luckily, both ladies move on.
In conclusion, Rolf is just as bad as Hans and we, as appreciators of great musicals, need to stop romanticizing him. If you can think of any more similarities, I’m very interested to hear them!
