THE BOOK THIEF

Analysis With this chapter, tension rises in the novel. This chapter further illustrates how Mein Kampf is able to lead Max to safety’s door, providing insight into how much Max has had to struggle in order to make it from his hiding place in a storage closet to the Hubermann […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: The Struggler, Concluded

Analysis This chapter illustrates how Liesel and Rudy, and even Arthur, understand what it means to be a moral thief. Their recognition of a moral versus an immoral thief serves in stark contrast to the new leader of the gang who comes later in the novel. It also reflects upon […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: Tricksters

Analysis In this chapter, Death reveals how Hans put his copy of Mein Kampf to work for good. The book has now helped two people who are against Hitler; it helped Hans by making him appear to be a Hitler supporter, a role he has to play in order to […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: The Struggler, Continued

Analysis This chapter illustrates a happy moment for Rudy and Liesel in Nazi Germany, reminding us still of the blend between lightness and darkness, and also the need to placate those who support Hitler, like Frau Diller, by saying, “Heil Hitler” upon entering her store. Death also states that while […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: The Aryan Shopkeeper

The inhabitants of Himmel Street continue to struggle for money and food. Rudy, in particular, is hungry, and Liesel is sick of pea soup. They join a gang of young boys who steal apples, and Liesel eats so many that she vomits, very happy with herself. Analysis In this chapter, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: The Attributes of Summer

Analysis Death reveals to us in this chapter who will be coming to 33 Himmel Street — a Jewish man who is in hiding. Prior to this chapter, Death has only hinted that someone will soon arrive and change everything, but now he reveals what has been a secret for […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: Enter the Struggler

Analysis Again, Liesel is overwhelmed by the power of words and books, which are able to tempt her despite her fear and anxiety about going into the mayor’s house. Because Frau Hermann introduces Liesel to her large library, Frau Hermann can clearly sense the hold that books and words hold […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: The Mayor’s Library

Analysis This chapter illustrates how Hans Hubermann is also working to avoid suspicion from the Nazi Party — suspicion that he doesn’t support them, their anti-Semitic movement, or any of the other policies established and enforced by Hitler. Hans demonstrates this by going in to ask about the status of […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 3: Mein Kampf: The Way Home

Analysis The book burning against Liesel’s chest acts as a symbol for the physical effects that words can have. Words burn themselves into the mind, and they can incite a person to action. The fact that three books survived the bonfire symbolizes for Liesel that, no matter how extreme the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 2: The Shoulder Shrug: Book of Fire

Analysis Liesel’s recognition of who is responsible for the loss of her family opens the gates for her book stealing. The books represent words that she can take back from people like Hitler, who have taken things from her. When Hans slaps Liesel for saying she hates Hitler, he demonstrates […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Part 2: The Shoulder Shrug: The Gates of Thievery