This whole chapter delves into the character, motivations, and the development of Hans Hubermann. Erik Vandenburg saves Hans twice, first during the war and later with his accordion, as Hans is allowed to stay in Molching because of his playing. Because of this, he feels as if he owes a significant debt to Erik Vandenburg, and also feels a heavy responsibility to live because Erik didn’t. The accordion is forever an emblem of this everlasting struggle, as well as his friendship with Erik. In fact, when Erik’s son, Max, appears at the Hubermanns’ door, one of his first questions to Hans is whether he still plays the accordion. He doesn’t say so explicitly, but with that question he reminds Hans of the debt he owes to Erik and suggests that Hans
