Impulsive Courage In The Book Thief

Impulsive Courage
What is childish may be impulsive, but what is impulsive is not always childish. The term “childish” is often associated with foolishness and naivete, having a negative connotation. Children tend to act impulsively disregarding any danger or consequences. However, sometimes their actions can be seen as courageous and even wise, especially when their intentions are pure and righteous. On the contrary, many adults are disciplined to make wise decisions and not act impulsively, particularly when they have a family to take care of. The Book Thief takes place during World War II in Nazi Germany: a place led by Hitler where ethics is disregarded by the majority. Whether or not people agree with Nazi views, wise-decision making

Throughout the novel, Hans is portrayed as impulsive yet instinctive. As young children mature into adults, they are taught to think before they act and ultimately make wiser decisions. In other words, they learn to not act childish and rashly. However, sometimes, the impulsive move is actually the more selfless one.When the Jews parade through Molching, the Germans cannot help but gape at them, but one Jew stands out in particular and Hans cannot control himself: “The Jew stood before him, expecting another handful of derision, but he watched with everyone else as Hans Hubermann held his hand out and presented a piece of bread, like magic...he [a soldier] took a whip from his belt and began” (394). After attempting an act of pure-hearted kindness, Hans is punished for being selfless. What is seen as childish and reckless, even by the narrator, Death, is actually heroic and honorable. It is ironic that when the ethically right action is taken, it is scolded and criticized by many: “Just give him five more minutes and he would surely fall into the German gutter and die. They would all let him, and they would all watch” (393). This is a clear example of conformity. Each one of the other Germans standing motionless is like a sheep following the rest of the herd, or in this case the crowd. Nonetheless, if every German were to act as brave as Hans, perhaps, World War II would have ended much sooner rather than later. Hans displays remarkable courage risking his life for a selfless act. Even though Hans’ decision is impulsive and he may not have been thinking about the consequences, like a child would not think before acting, his actions portray him as humane and