Salt To The Sea Character Analysis

In literature, authors usually create characters who are required to overcome obstacles and eventually exhibit bravery. In Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, the shoemaker, aliased as the Shoe Poet, captivates the reader by modeling a considerable amount of bravery during his journey to escape Russian attacks in World War II. The shoemaker witnesses the horrors of both world wars, but he somehow manages to keep life in perspective. Not only does he keep high spirits, but the Shoe Poet also is extremely selfless and cares for everyone in the group escaping the Russians, especially the child, Klaus. Despite war, the shoemaker manages to provide a cheerful vibe and selflessness to his group, which gives him a sense of bravery.
As an older person

When he notices a group member struggling in the war, the shoemaker usually attempts the best way possible to assist them, such as giving them advice. Klaus, a boy in the refugee group who lost his parents in the war, was deeply affected by the shoemaker, since he protects Klaus and acts like a father to him. Since Klaus was in a lifeboat when a refugee boat was sinking, the shoemaker “leapt feet first off the ship plummeting toward the ship” to continue caring for Klaus, but sadly drowns while doing so. (377). Unlike people who only care about themselves surviving in the war, the shoemaker risks his own life to be with Klaus, as an extremely brave man who puts others before him. As he accompanies the refugee group, the shoemaker gives people advice, such as telling Joana, “You must preserve yourself in order to help others.” (111) Instead of being selfish and worrying about himself, the shoemaker helps other people withstand the war by giving them guidance. Therefore, bravery is shown through the shoemaker, since he thinks about others and assists them. Wisdom and selflessness demonstrated by the shoemaker play a substantial role within the refugee group, as he helps people cope with the