Part Three
Quotations
"They were nearly halfway back to Himmel Street when Liesel could no longer take it. She bent over and removed the smoking book, allowing it to hop sheepishly from hand to hand.
When it had cooled sufficiently, they both watched it a moment, waiting for the words.
Papa: "What the hell do you call that?"
He reached over and grabbed hold of The Shoulder Shrug. No explanation was required. It was obvious that the girl had stolen it from the fire. The book was hot and wet, blue and red-embarrassed-and Hans Hubermann opened it up." -- Liesel and Hans, Part Three (125)
In this quote, Death manages to use not only colors but also personifies the book, calling it embarrassed.
When it had cooled sufficiently, they both watched it a moment, waiting for the words.
Papa: "What the hell do you call that?"
He reached over and grabbed hold of The Shoulder Shrug. No explanation was required. It was obvious that the girl had stolen it from the fire. The book was hot and wet, blue and red-embarrassed-and Hans Hubermann opened it up." -- Liesel and Hans, Part Three (125)
In this quote, Death manages to use not only colors but also personifies the book, calling it embarrassed.
"She was a girl.
In Nazi Germany.
How fitting that she was discovering the power of words.
And how awful (and yet exhilarating!) it would feel many months later, when she would unleash the power of this new found discovery the very moment the mayor's wife let her down. How quickly the pity would leave her, and how quickly it would spill over into something else completely. . . .
Now, though, in the summer of 1940, she could not see what lay ahead, in more ways than one." -- Death, Part Three (147)
Here Death is being, well grave, and foreshadowing about something that is going to happen, considering he is writing this is retrospect.
In Nazi Germany.
How fitting that she was discovering the power of words.
And how awful (and yet exhilarating!) it would feel many months later, when she would unleash the power of this new found discovery the very moment the mayor's wife let her down. How quickly the pity would leave her, and how quickly it would spill over into something else completely. . . .
Now, though, in the summer of 1940, she could not see what lay ahead, in more ways than one." -- Death, Part Three (147)
Here Death is being, well grave, and foreshadowing about something that is going to happen, considering he is writing this is retrospect.
"The words lolled about in his mouth as he read them.
Strangely, as he turned the pages and progressed through the chapters, it was only two words he ever tasted.
Mein Kampf. My struggle-
The title, over and over again, as the train prattled on, from one German town to the nest.
Mein Kampf.
Of all the things to save him." --Death, Part Three (160)
Death is being very ironic here as he comments about how Hitler's book, who wants to kill him, is actually saving him.
Strangely, as he turned the pages and progressed through the chapters, it was only two words he ever tasted.
Mein Kampf. My struggle-
The title, over and over again, as the train prattled on, from one German town to the nest.
Mein Kampf.
Of all the things to save him." --Death, Part Three (160)
Death is being very ironic here as he comments about how Hitler's book, who wants to kill him, is actually saving him.
Images
This picture of a library makes me think this is what Liesel sees in the Mayor's wife's library.
This picture reminds me of the orchard that Liesel, Rudy, and the gang steal apples from.
Connections and Historical Context
This song makes me laugh and think about Hitler's speeches and his methods of intimidation. It is interesting to see how culture laughs at his grave nowadays.
My Questions
- Why does Death keep foreshadowing so gravely?
- Why does Hans let Liesel keep the stolen books, knowing that it could get them in trouble?
- Why do Liesel and Rudy steal food together?
- Why does Death call Max "The Struggler?"
My Thoughts and Response
I found this very entertaining and enjoyed reading it. I found it intriguing that Death kept foreshadowing all these things. At first I was a little shocked that Liesel decided to steal other's food, but I can see it now. I feel sorry for Max and all the Jews. I also feel sorry for Liesel and everything she's had to go through, but it's nice to see that her condition is improving and she is adjusted well.
This section goes back between Max and Liesel. Then it ends very suspenseful with Max at Liesel's house, just about to enter.
This section goes back between Max and Liesel. Then it ends very suspenseful with Max at Liesel's house, just about to enter.