Analysis

This chapter illustrates that Liesel is moral in her thievery, refusing to steal from Hans. Because Rudy knows that Liesel is a thief, he tells her that she stinks like a criminal, which recalls a moment during the previous chapter when Liesel worries that the Nazi inspecting their basement will be able to smell that they are hiding a Jew. While Rudy is only teasing Liesel, he uncovers one of Liesel’s worries — that the outside world will be able to sense the secrets living within the Hubermann home. Finally, this chapter provides Liesel with a false sense of security; Death alludes to the disaster that is yet to come.