In the book thief, Hans Hubermann was a father figure to Liesel. Unfortunately, Hans and Rosa had both died together in the chapter of the book. In my eyes of the book, Hans was a symbol of a hero in the book thief and in Liesel's life in general. Hans Huberman was one of Liesel's mentors in the book thief, also helping her in many ways, including her survival. When Liesel first arrived at Himmel street, Hans Hubermann had comforted Liesel about her brother's death (The first day she arrived.).
During World War I, Hans’s life is saved by Max’s dad, Erik Vandenburg, “Almost with self reproach, it sat on his makeshift bed at the base camp and was given to his friend, Hans Hubermann, who happened to be the only man to survive” (175).
1. “For nearly an hour, she remained...till Papa came home and played the accordion. Only then did she sit up and start to recover.” - Liesel finds comfort and safety in her foster father. She trusts him and is happy when around him; two important aspects of any relationship, especially a family relationship.
Another example of the beauty of humanity can be seen in Hans Hubermann's character. Throughout the novel Hans is a very easygoing and thoughtful man who has a tendency to put others before himself. Wherever he is, he is always trying to help others. For example when Hans goes around painting windows black to prepare for the air raids he does not charge his customers a certain amount of money. He only charges however much they can give.
Max Vandenberg is a Jewish man who is taken in and hidden by the Hubbermanns, Rosa and Hans, during World War 2 in Nazi Germany. His father saved Hans's life during the First World War. Hans, in turn, repays this deed by hiding Max from the Nazis, therefore putting his family in great danger as a result of it. During Max’s time living in the Hubbermann residence he befriends the protagonist, Liesel Meminger. The two find that they are very similar to each other.
War has been a constant threat to humanity. For 3,400 years, we have only been at peace for 268 years, which is only about 8% of human history. This book takes place during the second world war. In this war America was fighting against the Nazi Germany. The war is constantly held over the boys heads in A Separate Peace by John Knowles.
“He - if there’s anything you ever need” (179). Hans Hubermann made a promise to Erik Vandenburg’s wife to help out in any way he could. He stuck to this promise and, consequently, agreed to house Max twenty years later. This shows how Hans kept to his promises and people could trust him. Housing a Jew in Nazi Germany could have lead to severe punishment, nevertheless, Hans decided to help Max in his time of need because he knew that he needed to stick to his commitment.
War is happening all over the world and is an important issue in society. Why would one nation fight another? Is it for power? Whatever the reason may be, war is definitely leaves an impact on one’s life. War is a pitiful cause that can invoke an inevitable negative change within one.
Hence, Hans is extremely worried and cautious about being caught hiding a Jew, knowing that it could mean the death of them all, yet still proceeds with this humanitarian gesture, showing beauty where there is hatred and war. Another quote that emphasizes the enormous risk the Hubermann family is taking by hiding Max is when the Nazi soldiers arrive at their door and ask, “‘I need to inspect your basement, just for a minute or two, to see if it’s suitable for a shelter” (Zusak, 344) as the family waits in utmost anxiety as it was being searched, thinking “[none] of them had the audacity to consider what they’d do if the basement was appointed as a shelter. They had to survive the inspection first.” (Zusak, 344). Thus emphasizing how much the Hubermann family risks everything to help a complete stranger simply because it is the right thing to do, demonstrating kindness and sacrifice in times of war, hatred, and discrimination among
Soldiers, while in combat, have difficult thoughts going through their heads. “No, I can’t kill these people, it’s unethical. This is for my country, I have to do what it takes to protect my home.” Soldier are disillusion when going to war. They expect glory and honor, but in actuality, they will do the unspeakable and will not expect an impact on their life.
Hans is a German man living in Nazi Germany who did not support Hitler. His son, Hans Junior, is a supporter of the Führer and they argue often about their beliefs. In the beginning of the novel, Hans and his
Hans Hubermann, Liesel’s foster father, helped Jewish people in whatever way he could. When a Jewish shop named Kleinmann’s was vandalized, Hans asked the owner if he needed any help cleaning up, and promised to come back the next day and paint his door, which he did (Zusak 181-182). Hans delayed applying to the Nazi party because he didn’t agree with their beliefs, and by helping the owner he was put under more suspicion, however he felt that it was a proper action and didn’t allow danger to stop him. In addition to Hans act of kindness, the Hubermanns took a Jew named Max into their care, and allowed him to stay with them to be safe. In a book overview, Tabitha Hall observes, “Though not Jewish, Liesel and her foster parents struggle as they keep their Jewish friend hidden…” (“Overview: The Book Thief”).
To love is to risk. Whether that is risking life, belief, health, or reputation, it is still a risk at any rate to give devotion to another. No era in history knows this better than during the Holocaust. Still, the most unexpected of people would die trying to help Jews escape persecution, they would help others who didn't share the same moral foundation as they did, they would share food rations when they barely had enough for themselves, or they would risk their public standing and forever be labeled as a sympathizer just to help a suffering soul regain his balance. Similarly, Markus Zusak's The Book Thief demonstrates a complete comprehension of how humans act against self preservation and individual comfort when challenged with harrowing situations that appeal to their own personal connections.
Everything Rudy does after that moment, when you know he’s going to die at the age of 14, everything is in the shadow of that.’ (Zusak, 2010). Max Vandenburg is the Jewish man who seeks refuge in the Hubermann’s basement putting their lives in great danger. Max’s father saved Hans’ life in World War II and caring for Max is Hans’ way of repaying Max for what his father did for him. Max and Liesel’s match of personalities and shared qualities enable the two to become such great friends, giving each other’s life purpose and the drive to survive the horrors of the war.
Growing as a Character Every event in our lives happens for a reason, whether it is to learn from our mistakes or to gain experience from them. In Markus Zusak's novel “The Book Thief,” Liesel Meminger uses her experiences with living in the 1940s to learn life lessons and experience first hand the many terrible things Hitler is doing to people around her. She learns how to deal with the many obstacles that are thrown at her. Liesel grows as a character by following her step-father’s footsteps in being a kind and generous person, going through childhood with her best friend Rudy, and being aware of what is going on around her by learning from Max.
