The Book Thief Passages

"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. Pages thirty-eight and thirty-nine. "Another one?" Liesel rubbed her ribs. Yes. Another one" (Zusak 125-126).

I chose this passage to discuss because I think it's a very important part of the novel and story's development. To explain this passage further, this is when Liesel steals a book called The Shoulder Shrug from a Nazi book burning. This is significant because this is an area of the novel where the readers can see power from Liesel. She shows how she refuses to conform to the beliefs of the Nazis by doing actions that revolt against their beliefs. In my opinion, this builds character development because it shows how Liesel refuses to blindly follow everything that Nazis suggest and believe what they want everyone to believe. 

"In her room, she prayed. Hands and knees, forearms against the mattress. "Please, God, let Max survive. Please, God, please..." Her suffering knees. Her painful feet. When first light appeared, she awoke and made her way back to the kitchen. Papa was asleep with his head parallel to the tabletop, and there was some saliva at the corner of his mouth. The smell of coffee was overpowering, and the image of Hans Hubermann's stupid kindness was still in the air. It was like a number or an address. Repeat it enough times and it sticks" (Zusak 400).

I chose this passage to discuss because I believe it has great significance. To further explain some events that lead up to this passage, this passage came after Hans gave bread to an elderly Jewish man. By doing this, he endangered his family and Max (the Jewish man that was hiding in their home). I think this is an important passage because it really shows the true character of both Hans and Liesel. As readers, we are able to see the overwhelming kind personality that Hans has and his huge heart. We are also able to see the kindness that Liesel has learned from Hans. When Liesel is praying it is obvious how much she cares for Max and how much kindness she has in her heart. 

I think both of the passages are significant parts of the novel and show immense character development.