As we all know, Death and Hans have passed by each other a few times in the past, in the world wars and even in the comfort of Molching. Although they are very different in many obvious ways they also have a few things in common. One has a heart and the other is kind, and both of these traits have their pros and cons.
Death, in many points in the story, states that he is not heartless and is actually, very human. When he talks about Rudy's upcoming death, he mentions "You see? Even death has a heart" (p.242). He also says, at the beginning of the book that he desperatly needs a break, but of course he can't. He needs distrations to relieve his stress. Its his distractions that make him notice Liesel on their first encounter. When Death meets Liesel for the third time he says, "I wanted to stop. To crouch down. I wanted to say: 'I'm sorry, child.' But that is not allowed." (p.13). Death wants to let them know that he cares but he is bound by the rules of his job. The only thing he can do is to follow the book theif and carry out his job.
Hans, on the other hand, has a kind heart. We know that from the beginning of the story when he first teaches Liesel to roll a cigarette (p.33). Hans' kindness certianly makes him trustworthy and a good person to be around, "'...You're lucky you're a good man, and generous with the cigarettes.'" (p.478), but it also has its downsides. When the Jew's were walked to Dachau, Hans couldn't help but feel sorry for the dying man. His kindness made him hand over the peice of bread, and he suffered the consequences (p.393-395).
Hans and Death are similar in more ways than we think.
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I hadn't ever really considered those connections between Death and Hans, and I have to say you definitely made a valid point.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, you could say that one key trait (plus various obvious others) that separate Hans and Death is the mobility they are granted. When I say mobility, I mean what they are capable of achieving without completely altering the path of the story. Death, by his character's (and his job's) limitations, is not able to extend his kindness out to those suffering who are so close to him. Hans, on the other hand, certainly has the ability to better the lives of people who are in danger. (e.g. Max, the Jew on the walk to Dachau, even Liesel, to some extent) Of course, Hans is punished for his generosity, but it appears that Hans's ability to commit these acts of kindness comes more easily because he is a human being, as opposed to something... "other-worldly," like Death.