This passage ties in somewhat with a previous class discussion about how children during WWI are affected. Liesel is a bit naive when it comes to war, for she is still a child. But, she learns, and over the course of the novel so far, she becomes more and more aware of the events around her and the how they affect those close to her. Upon Max Vandenburg's arrival, one could say that the Hubermann household was immediately changed. Even the feelings that the characters possessed were altered. With a Jew as the new, though somewhat temporary, addition to their life, even characters such as Papa (Hans) with his calm disposition, could be driven to act unlike ever seen before.
Especially at this point in time, while the reign of Nazi Germany reached its peak, Jews were scorned and prosecuted. They were ridiculed. Any seemingly "sane" German knew not to associate with "them." To know a Jew was one thing. To house a Jew was quite another. Of course, Papa was one to keep his promise. Max stayed with the Hubermanns'. But, he was forced to stay in the basement for safety. Papa, when explaining the situation to Liesel, had to use an element of fear to get Liesel to understand that this secret was not to be told to anyone. Hiding a Jew in your basement was not something to be taken lightly. Perhaps Liesel knew not to tell the secret, because she was aware of the consequences. Perhaps she took the hint that Papa was very serious about this matter. I believe that it is a combination of both. Also, she trusts Papa, and believes that what he says is most definitely the right thing to do.
I find it very interesting that Zusak uses a specific word in the above passage. "The world inside 33 Himmel Street" is practically the perfect phrasing for the situation, in my opinion. There is a Jew in the basement. Secrets are kept. Nazi Party applications are pending. Thereare an enormous amount of emotions in this house. The word "inside" hints at the idea of these feelings coming from a core, or a center, where everything stems out from. The turning world around the Hubermann residence then hints at the ever-changing world around them. The Nazi Party becoming stronger, along with the Jews being prosecuted even more. And Liesel, a young girl in the midst of hate and struggle, is forced to keep her secret, even though (at times) the words could so easily spill out of her mouth.
I agree that hiding a Jew in your house at this time period certianly puts a lot of pressure on the Hubermanns, especialy Liesel. Because she is a kid, her parent's are extremly worried that she, like you said, could blurt out the secret of Max at any given time. I think that this is the reason Hans had to lay it down hard to Leisel, to ensure that she keeps quiet.
ReplyDeleteThis incident reminds me of the time Hans strikes Leisel when she says that she hates hitler (p...um, 115-116). In order to stop her from saying this in public, he himself strikes her to let her know that it is important. Also, like you said, she trusts him and when he strikes her she knows that she shouldn't say that.