The Book Thief

How is the second flashback effective in the text went inside does it provide in regards to the water scope of the story support with textual evidence

Help

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

I don't know what you mean by second flashback, but Hans' character becomes more complex though flashback, as it is revealed that he is not a member of the Nazi Party, his application having been tabled because of his willingness to paint Jewish homes and cover up Jewish graffiti. As a result, Hans' business suffers despite his talent, his standing in the community becomes threatened despite his affability, and his relationship with his son is ruined despite their former closeness. Hans Junior is fully indoctrinated in Nazi ideology and speaks in broad metaphoric terms of restoring Germany's greatness by eliminating social undesirables -- unbeknownst to him, this would include Liesel. He revolts against his father and says that Hans is part of an "old, decrepit Germany," one which lost World War I and is supposedly being rebuilt and avenged by the Nazis. Ironically, Hans Junior calls his father a coward for privately opposing Hitler and the Nazi platform, yet Hans' willingness to help Jews is much more dangerous than supporting Hitler. The meaning of cowardice and the question of whether or not Hans is a coward is a moral question that is revisited throughout the rest of the novel.

As you can see Hans's character is fleshed out much more by going back in time. The same goes for part three where characters like the mayor's wife, and Max Vandenburg are illuminated.

Source(s)

The Book Thief