In Markus Zusak’s novel The Book Thief a clear depiction of a very dark time in human history is portrayed. Throughout the book humanity is depicted quite negatively, but through acts of kindness and acceptance characters are able to overcome adversity.
In the book, acceptance is shown helping people overcome difficulties numerous times. Especially when Liesel grew to accept her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann after trying to overcome the loss of her brother and the abandonment of her mother. The love for both foster parents is illustrated, but it was clear that Liesel loved Hans more than anyone and that he helped her in the time of hardship. “I could tell that this was who she loved the most… she wept over the shoulder of Hans Hubermann. …show more content…
Erik Vanderburg demonstrates an act of kindness towards Hans Hubermann during the battle in France. As Sergeant Stephan Schneider paced into the sleeping quarters to gather people for some tasks, he asked the soldiers if they were able to write. After minutes of silence, Erik volunteered Hans. “Still no one stepped forward, but a voice stooped out and ambled toward the sergeant. It sat at his feet, waiting for a good kicking. It said Hubermann sir…” (Page 177). Erik obviously thought that on that day, it was not appropriate for Hans to fight in a battle where he would surely get killed in. For the reason, Erik volunteered Hans, sacrificing his own life for a friend. It was because of Erik’s action that helped Hans avoid the horror of war and continue to live with gratitude for Erik. When the Nazis were passing by Molching to concentrate the Jews in Dalchau, Hans demonstrates an act of kindness by giving a piece of bread to an elderly Jewish man who was heading to the concentration camp. “Hans Hubermann held his hand out and presented a piece of bread, like magic… the Jew slid down. He fell to his knees and help Papa’s shins. He buried his face between them and thanked him.” (Page 394) Hans displayed and act of kindness toward the Jewish man, regardless the punishments he would receive for such an act. In that split moment, Hans was able to turn the suffering of an elderly Jew to
In the book, acceptance is shown helping people overcome difficulties numerous times. Especially when Liesel grew to accept her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann after trying to overcome the loss of her brother and the abandonment of her mother. The love for both foster parents is illustrated, but it was clear that Liesel loved Hans more than anyone and that he helped her in the time of hardship. “I could tell that this was who she loved the most… she wept over the shoulder of Hans Hubermann. …show more content…
Erik Vanderburg demonstrates an act of kindness towards Hans Hubermann during the battle in France. As Sergeant Stephan Schneider paced into the sleeping quarters to gather people for some tasks, he asked the soldiers if they were able to write. After minutes of silence, Erik volunteered Hans. “Still no one stepped forward, but a voice stooped out and ambled toward the sergeant. It sat at his feet, waiting for a good kicking. It said Hubermann sir…” (Page 177). Erik obviously thought that on that day, it was not appropriate for Hans to fight in a battle where he would surely get killed in. For the reason, Erik volunteered Hans, sacrificing his own life for a friend. It was because of Erik’s action that helped Hans avoid the horror of war and continue to live with gratitude for Erik. When the Nazis were passing by Molching to concentrate the Jews in Dalchau, Hans demonstrates an act of kindness by giving a piece of bread to an elderly Jewish man who was heading to the concentration camp. “Hans Hubermann held his hand out and presented a piece of bread, like magic… the Jew slid down. He fell to his knees and help Papa’s shins. He buried his face between them and thanked him.” (Page 394) Hans displayed and act of kindness toward the Jewish man, regardless the punishments he would receive for such an act. In that split moment, Hans was able to turn the suffering of an elderly Jew to