The Book Thief

P: What themes can you see recurring throughout the book?

R: Death as I mentioned previously is an obvious theme throughout the tale; however, I'd like to concentrate on the role a character Hans Hubermann plays in the idea of man vs. society. I recall from Mr. P's class that we discussed this one day and I feel that this character Hans seems to exemplify this theme. Han's is battling with the moral wrongness of the Holocaust compared to his need to help and foster Max Vandenburg. When Max first shows up at Himmel street Han's is apprehensive in allowing Max to be sheltered in his home but Han's is a good man and Max is soon living somewhat comfortably in the basement of the Hubermann home. Han's is soon faced with many moments that question what he knows is right and what society tells him is acceptable. When the Jews are marched down Himmel street Han's scoops up a piece of bread and hands it to a weak old man whom barely has the energy to walk. He is beaten in the streets and is soon so terrified that his home will be searched that he asks Max to leave. He later finds out that Max had no need to leave at all and must live with the chance that he took in sending Max away. Han's is constantly dealing with the hardships of keeping his family safe and trying to battle a cause much greater than himself and his family. Society continues to tell him that his acts of humanity are wrong but his moral values battle this voice throughout the entire tale.