If you had to switch places with one of the characters in The Book Thief, who would you pick?

By: Ruth

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Post #6

In my opinion, the ending of The Book Thief, would’ve benefited from specific detail and descriptions, and some of the characters’ outcomes were harsh, but it was still slightly satisfying. Overall, the ending, particularly after the bombing, seemed vague and abrupt. The author did not provide much detail about Liesel’s adult life or why she made certain decisions, he just kind of rushed through those facts, and I think the ending would’ve been more interesting if he had elaborated on her adulthood. As well, the fact that a large amount of the characters were killed from the bombing was upsetting since you had become so attached to them, but death was to be expected when the plot revolves around Nazi Germany. Also, it would’ve been more satisfying if the relationship between Rudy and Liesel had grown into more of a romance, but instead the only real incident of that was Liesel kissing Rudy after he had already died. I would’ve preferred if the author had included a section where they finally kiss (while both alive), but instead the romance basically withered. However, there was a small silver lining because Max ended up surviving the war, so at least one of Liesel’s loved ones survived. As well, it was kind and reassuring that the mayor and Rudy’s father were there to support Liesel after the bombing.

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Post #5

In The Book Thief, it first seems like there is not much resolution to the problems in the book; people are killed, relationships are broken and fears are enhanced. However, once you look deeper into the ending of The Book Thief it is evident that there is one part of the story which provides a glimpse of hope. At the end of the book, Liesel learns that after Max left her home to protect the Hubermann’s, he ended up surviving the concentration camps and being released when the war was over. The close relationship between Liesel and Max proves that this survival would be a significant moment in Liesel’s life, especially after losing so much, because she still has someone she loves with her. As well, because Max was a Jew, the reader is relieved by the fact that he was able to survive the gruesome treatement from the Nazis. Since a character who was faced with such antisemitism and injustice actually managed to stay alive, (until death by natural causes), everyone can take comfort in knowing that there is some hope for them after all. While taking souls from Auschwitz, Death says, “”Sometimes I imagined how everything looked above those clouds, knowing without question that the sun was blond, and the endless atmosphere was a giant blue eye.” (Zusak, 350). This quote demonstrates that even when the most horrific events are taking place, there is always hope left in the world.

Ruth

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PMI Chart

Plus: – based around an actual historical event, World War II, therefore realistic
– plenty of different characters to portray different experiences to the injustice and events
– well written, beautiful language and nearly poetic word choice
– strongly developed plot, with attention to detail
– omniscient point of view, helps understand what is happening with all characters

Minus: – definitely not a short read, few slow parts that are a good idea to skim through
– a few characters who barely contribute to the outcome or plot of the story
– somewhat necessary to have background knowledge on antisemitism and WWII, without it may references would be confusing and connections lost
– death’s comments can be very revealing and spoil the plot, some readers may enjoy the foreshadowing but takes away from piecing together the puzzle

Interesting: – use of German words, gives a genuine feel the background of the characters
– narrated by death, small comments throughout the book, gives it a unique twist
– sketches from Max around the middle of the book, unlike most other novels; helps break up the long read

Ruth

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Post #3

The characters in The Book Thief make the necessary choices to deal with their problems and support their morals and those they love. To start, Hans hides Max in his basement, which shows that he is following through on his promise to Eric’s family. Even though Hans knows that keeping a Jew in his house causes potential danger, he helps Max because he knows it is the right thing to do. As well, Hans eventually conforms to the Nazi Party because he is aware that it is necessary to do so if he wants to protect his family and loved ones, even though he does not support the Nazi beliefs. Another way that the characters are dealing well with their problems is portrayed through Liesel, who tries to ignore the injustice in her world. Instead of putting herself in harm’s way, she busies herself in overcoming her illiteracy and her problem with wetting the bed. In general, the Hubermanns save themselves from definite danger by pretending that nothing (or no one) suspicious is in their house. “Imagine smiling after a slap in the face. Then think of doing it twenty-four hours a day. That was the business of hiding a Jew.” (Zusak, 211). Max deals with his problems by keeping an illustrated diary to release his emotions. Also, Max saves the Hubermann family from danger when he leaves the Hubermann’s basement to ensure that the Nazis would not punish them for helping out a Jew. However, there are a couple of characters who poorly deal with their problems. Rosa bottles up her true feelings and lives through disciplining Liesel. Rudy avoids confronting Liesel about the love he has for her, and ignores what is going on around him.

Ruth

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Post #2

Throughout The Book Thief, the characters have different reactions to the antisemitism they face. Being only an innocent child, Liesel Hubermann does as she is told and follows Hitler, until she grows older and develops her own opinion, which leads her to let go of that support. Liesel mostly ignores the injustice around her and engulfs herself in reading and books. Hans Hubermann originally stayed away from the Nazis, but later on in the book he joins their party to protect his family. However, Hans still does not support the Nazi beliefs, as you can tell through his decision to shelter a Jew in his basement. Similarly to Liesel, Rudy obeys the rules of the adults in his life and supports Hitler, although he mostly focuses on playing soccer and trying to kiss Liesel. In The Book Thief, there are also some characters who strongly support the Nazi Party such as Hans Junior and the shopkeeper who only sells to people who heil Hitler. Then there are some characters in the middle of the two sides, like Rudy’s father. He conforms to the Nazi Party to protect his family, even though he doesn’t agree the Nazi’s actions and ideas. Lastly, there are the reactions of the Jewish characters, such as Max. Since Max is a Jew and considered “imperfect” by the Nazis, Max is forced to protect himself by hiding in the Hubermann’s basement, cutting off all interaction with the outside world. Overall, there are many different kinds of reactions to the antisemitism in The Book Thief.

Ruth

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Post #1

The main type of social injustice in The Book Thief is antisemitism. This book is set in Germany during WWII, so the plot revolves aroud the hatred toward Jewish people by the Nazi Party. The main character in The Book Thief is Liesel Meminger, a young girl who lives with her foster parents Hans and Rosa Hubermann because her communist mother was killed by Nazis when Liesel was young. As the author describes Liesel being raised by the Hubermann’s, who are not Jewish nor Nazis, you learn about the antisemitism that Liesel and the other characters face throughout their lives. Max Vandeburg, a Jew who the Hubermann’s are hiding from the Nazis in their basement is at risk of being sent to a concentration camp simply because he has different, “inferior” beliefs than the Nazis. As well, during this time period, Hitler’s followers would burn anything that portrayed the Jewish as acceptable people, such as books with Jewish protagonists. Since Hans is opposed to the beliefs that many people in his country share, he has trouble finding work as a painter. “In 1933, 90 percent of Germans showed unflinching support for Adolf Hitler. That leaves 10 percent who didn’t. Hans Hubermann belonged to the 10 percent.” (Zusak, 63). Almost all of Hans customers were Jews and have been taken away, and many businesses will not sell to or work with anyone who does not heil Hitler.

Ruth

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