What does the accordion represent in the book thief?
Table of Contents
What does the accordion represent in the book thief?
Hans’s accordion represents his debt to Erik Vandenburg, the friend who saved his life, and the responsibility he feels to live because Erik didn’t. Hans inherited the accordion after Erik died in the battle that Erik got him out of, and he learned to play it as a way of honoring Erik’s memory.
What does the accordion mean to Liesel?
hope and comfort
The accordion starts off as a symbol of hope and comfort. When Liesel begins reading to the residents of Himmel Street during the air raids, she feels like she’s giving them what Hans gives her when he plays the accordion – distraction, comfort, and hope.
Where is the accordion mentioned in the book thief?
On those evenings, at the end of the street, accordion case in hand, he would turn around, just before Frau Diller’s corner shop, and see the figure who had replaced his wife in the window.
Why does Hans play the accordion for Liesel?
Even right before Hans death Liesel wants him to play the accordion because she knows it will comfort her, and it will comfort other around her. Then, Hans begins to play the broken accordion.
How did Hans learn the accordion?
In World War I, Hans befriends a Jew named Erik Vandenburg who teaches Hans how to play the accordion. Erik saves Hans’s life by nominating Hans as the soldier with the best handwriting, which allows Hans to help write letters while the rest of the men fight.
What page does Hans play the accordion for Liesel?
He says “Hans Hubermann?” and “Do you still play the accordion?” (29.2, 29.3). Hans says, “Of course I do” (29.6). The story of the accordion goes back to World War I (1914-1918).
What does Death foreshadow in champagne and accordions?
Death’s description of hard times coming “like a parade” foreshadows the Jews’ through Molching on their way to Dachau later in the novel.
Does Liesel learn to play the accordion?
Champagne and Accordions Liesel goes with him on the jobs. He’s usually paid with a snack, a hot drink, or a smoke. Later Death will read about Liesel’s memories of the summer in the book she will write. As he works, he tells her stories, taking time-out to play the accordion.
Who taught Hans to play the accordion?
Erik Vandenburg
The story flashes back to World War I, when Hans was a 22-year-old soldier fighting in France. He befriended a German Jew named Erik Vandenburg who played the accordion. Erik taught Hans to play.
What does Death foreshadow at the end of the chapter champagne and accordions?
Why does Liesel drink champagne?
Liesel is happy during those days, and wishes they would never end. She especially likes the mixing of the paint, which Hans does with a champagne bottle. Ironically Liesel experiences her happiest times as the town prepares to be bombed, but she starts to realize that her contentment might be fleeting.
What page does Hans get whipped?
The Book Thief Chapter 58.
What metaphor does Death offer for Hans body?
What metaphor does Death offer for Han’s body? When Liesel is finally able to look at Hans, what does Death see? The metaphor was that he had silver eyes not dead ones. Death sees that his bellows were all empty.
Which race does Rudy not win?
Rudy experiences perhaps his greatest triumph, though his response to this victory is surprising. During the Hitler Youth Carnival, Rudy deliberately disqualifies himself from the final race and then basically discards the medals he already won, suggesting they don’t matter to him.
What happened to Alex Steiner?
After he loses his family during the Himmel Street bombing, he gets leave from the military and returns to Molching. He and Liesel develop a friendship, and he accompanies her to Dachau to try to find Max after the war ends.