The setting
is WWII and
mllions of
lives are
taken
"A small but
noreworthy note.
I've seen so many
young men over the
years who think
they're running at
other young men.
They are not. They
are running at me. "
There will be a
picture here
Focus is put on the Holocaust
and the mass murder of Jews
Relationships
Liesel's relationship with
Rudy leads her throughout
the novel.
Liesel's relationship
with her brother
alters her decisions.
Liesel's relationship
with Max forms her
sympathy for Jews.
The relationships that
Liesel has with the
people in Munich
shapes her reaction to
the bombing.
"Liesel observed the
strangeness of her foster
father's eyes. They were
made of kindness, and
silver. […] Upon seeing
those eyes, understood
that Hans Hubermann was
worth a lot." (Chapter 6)
Liesel's relationship with the
mayor's wife lets her read in her
libreary.
Secrets
The secret of keeping Max has a huge
impact on the story.
The secret of Rudy's
death being revealed has
a big impact in the novel.
The secret Hans keeps about
not wanting to fight kept him
alive in both world wars.
"If you tell anyone about that man…"
The secrets Liesel keeps about how she
acquired her books effects her
relationships.
Liesel's real mother keeps the secret of
sending Liesel to a foster family, which leads
her to the Hubermans.
Courage
Liesel's courage helps
her get her books
"Look proud, he advised
himself. You cannot look
afraid. Read the book. Smile
at it. It's a great book – the
greatest book you've ever
read. Come on, Max, you're
only a few hours away."
Max's courage has a part is
him and Liesel's relationship.
The Hubermans
courage in taking Max
in has a big part in the
novel.
Liesel's courage helps her to
get food and not be so hungry.
It took a lot f courage for Max to
leave his home and go into hiding.
Power of
words
When Max has to stay in the
basement, Liesel describes the
outside world to him.
The books Max writes for
Liesel impacts their
relationship.
Liesel uses words as a refuge in
the midst of Nazism.
Liesel uses words to calm the
people in the bomb cellar.
"I have hated words and I have
loved them, and I hope I have
made them right."