The Book Thief – Courage Theme Essay Example

for the Hubermanns to maintain utmost secrecy regarding the presence of the Jew. Furthermore, harboring Max entailed risks due to his compromised living conditions in the basement which lacked proper daily care in terms of hygiene and warmth, leaving him susceptible to illness. Despite these perils, the Hubermanns valiantly chose to offer refuge to Max. Another demonstration of their bravery occurred when Hans fearlessly distributed bread publicly to an exhausted Jew amidst a Jewish procession heading towards a concentration camp. Nazi officers as well as neighbors bore witness to this act of compassion fully aware of its inevitable repercussions.

In spite of observing the Jew's tiredness and agony as he collapsed, Hans recognized the need to step in. He comprehended that his fellow residents and Nazi officials would not extend any aid to the anguished individual. Hans adhered to his principles and ethics, even though they contradicted the law and prevalent beliefs. His assistance in painting Jewish homes and doors demonstrated his well-known compassion for Jews. However, this also made him ineligible for Nazi party membership and further cemented his reputation as a person who genuinely cared about Jews.

His actions resulted in a whipping from an officer (Zusak 394), but Hans faced the consequences without backing down. Despite knowing the severe consequences, he stood up for what he believed was right even if it wasn’t right in the eyes of others. Additionally, the Hubermanns demonstrated courage when Liesel read to the people in the bomb shelter (Zusak 381). In this terrifying situation, Liesel was no exception to the fear felt by nearly everyone in the shelter (Zusak 374).

Amidst a chaotic

scene filled with crying and panic, Liesel remained calm and collected. She took out one of her books and began reading aloud, possibly to soothe her own fears. A child noticed her and approached to listen, followed by her father. Soon, more people became aware of the situation and gathered around Liesel, eager to hear her captivating tale (Zusak 381).

Ultimately, amidst the silence, only Liesel’s voice resonated. Despite being younger and less experienced than others, she was the only one brave enough to provide solace for those in distress. Liesel's bravery allowed her to be a beacon of light during the darkness that surrounded them when the bombs descended (Zusak 382). Consequently, she helped everyone remain composed during the nerve-wracking period. Liesel's courage was further evident as she continued reading aloud to calm the frightened spectators on more than one occasion.

Instead of behaving like many other scared children who clung to their mothers' arms, she went out of her way. Each time an alert went off for bombings and she had to go to the bomb shelter, she fearlessly read to comfort the frightened people and distract them from the outside world. Despite being young and surrounded by terrified individuals, she was able to bring comfort to everyone around her. The Hubermanns displayed multiple acts of courage throughout the novel, such as hiding Max, the Jew, despite the evident dangers and potential consequences if anyone discovered their secret.

Despite the risk it posed to their family, the Hubermanns showed bravery that allowed them to make the correct choice. Additionally, Hans displayed courage by defying societal pressure and helping a Jew,

despite knowing the potential consequences. Moreover, Liesel's bravery helped alleviate fear in others during bombings, as she used her words to comfort and divert attention. Throughout the novel, there were numerous instances where the Hubermanns exhibited courage.

Rosa and Liesel attempted to persuade Frau Holtzapfel to go to the bomb shelter during a siren warning, but she refused to leave (Zusak 485). Despite the sound of exploding bombs, they remained with her in an effort to protect her, although they were unsuccessful. This exemplifies the Hubermanns' display of courage throughout the novel. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'"