The Book Thief Analysis

Mutual Protection and Respect
In The Book Thief, Death is trying to figure out why humans are worth it. Hans Hubermann and Liesel Meminger are an example of why human lives are worth all the trouble. Zusak portrays Liesel Meminger and Hans Hubermann’s mentor/pupil relationship through imagery and powerful words. Hans and Liesel have a simple yet complex relationship in which they both teach each other important life lessons to prove to Death that human life is worth the pain and sorrow.
Hans and Liesel show mutual respect for one another, and it is shown when Hans doesn’t force her to take a bath, even though Rosa demands it. “’Leave her alone…leave her to me…do you know how to roll a cigarette?’ he asked her, and for the next hour or so, they sat in the rising pool of darkness, playing with the tobacco and the cigarette papers and Hans Hubermann smoking them.” (The Book Thief 33) At first, it sounds as
“Liesel observed the strangeness of her foster father’s eyes. They were made of kindness, and silver. Like a soft silver, melting Liesel, upon seeing those eyes, understood that Hans Hubermann was worth a lot.” (The Book Thief 34) Not only do his eyes make Liesel feel safe, but they contribute to the fact that human lives are worth it. Most people have heard the saying, “Eyes are the windows to the soul.” (William Shakespeare) In this case, it is right. Hans’ soul is pure like silver, and just as soft. Contrary to his son’s, whose has been tainted by hatred fear and pride. “Hans Junior had the eyes of his father and the height. The silver in his eyes, however, wasn’t warm, like Papa’s—they’d been Führered.” (The Book Thief 103) Hans Junior’s personality was dark, hateful, and sour. His silver has been tainted by the Führer and now he’s angry and for the Führer. Hans is the opposite of this because his silver is bright and has been polished daily by love and respect and understanding so much that it