Something really interesting that I came across while reading, is the portrayal of the parental role during this specific time period. This was most clearly conveyed to me in two key moments of the novel. One, was the "Jesse Owens Incident," and the other was when Hans slapped Liesel across the face. In both moments, both fathers are forced to explain to their innocent children, the harsh reality of the Nazi life, and with no coincidence, in a harsh manner. And in both instances, neither father necessarily agrees with the ideals of the party they are asking their children to follow. Both Alex Steiner and Hans Hubermann represent the fear of the parent as they watch their innocent and fearless children tread into the dangerous waters of Hitler's Reich.
-Julia
Hans Hubermann seems to be condradicting though. He tells Leisel that she must "heil Hitler," yet he is harboring a Jew in his basement and makes Leisel promise to keep it a secret.
ReplyDeleteExactly. That's what I'm trying to get at. Parents like Hans, who don't agree with the views of the Nazi Party, are forced to look their children in the eye and tell them that they better act like they are Hitler's biggest fan so they can stay alive. Imagine how hard it must've been for Hans to give Liesel mixed signals. He is probably dealing with a major internal conflict; the safety of his daughter and family versus the right thing to do.
DeleteHans's internal conflict is described on pages 115-116. It starts when Liesel begins to ask questions about the Fuhrer taking her mother and Hans's inability to lie about his thoughts on the subject. When Liesel says that she hates HItler, Hans faces a difficult decision. "Did he bend down and embrace his foster daughter, as he wanted to? Did he tell her he was sorry for what was happenening to her...? ...He clenched his eyes. Then opened them. He slapped Liesel Meminger square in the face." ...he sat next to her and put his face in his hands... [he] was contemplating one of the most dangerous dilemmas a German citizen could face."
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Delete-ali b
DeleteHans has repeatedly rejected the nazi party. He refused to go along with the absurd beliefs of the Nazi Party. Despite his personally beliefs he puts them aside in order to protect Liesel. He makes her promise to keep the secret about Max Vandenburg and he also slaps her across the face as a rude awakening for Liesel. It's sad but necessary because anyone that disagreed with the Nazis were considered suspicious and rebellious, characteristics that could qualify one for death, Jewish or Non-Jewish.. Didn't matter.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Hans tells Liesel that she must never let anyone know about Max. When he explains what would happen if she did, he says that he would burn Liesel's books. He does not explain to her what dangers would actually await them because she is too naive to understand. Therefore, the parents of these children are almost making themselves seem like the villians and are making Hitler seem like an allie. - Becca Morrin
ReplyDeleteHitler doesn't seem like an allie for Liesel though because she understands that he is the reason that her mother is gone.
Delete-Ali B
Yea Allie, I agree. But i think Becca is trying to say that parents like Hans are willing to slap their beloved children, and see the look of hurt in their eyes, in order to keep them safe. Liesel knows that Hitler is the villian here, but its a hidden understanding between her and Hans, rather than one out in the open.
Delete-Julia
Ah yes, I understand. Secrecy seems to be a theme.
DeleteSecrecy can be seen from Liesel's pining for Rudy, her stealing of books throughout the novel, the Hubermann's hiding of Max, etc...
Delete-Joe
Secrecy was a theme in every household during the Holocaust. Everyone had to walk on eggshells I
ReplyDeleteIn order to protect their loved ones. Children don't necessarily know better so I think it was probably easier for them.
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