The Standover Man

I have come to realize that all events in The Book Thief have significance, even though it might be hidden. I was pondering about Max’s The Standover Man, and was wondering what significance and connection it had to the rest of the book. Why would it be so precious to Liesel? Why would Max tear out pages from the book that saved his life just to make a short story as a gift to Leisel?

I believe that Leisel and Max are able to connect with each other and understand each other very well. Max is mysterious to Leisel, but Leisel knows that something about him is odd and he is hiding. She knows that she must never speak of him, but not why her parents will be taken away if people find out about Max. The Standover Man explains a lot more about Max and what his fears are to Leisel. Although it is easy to read and simple, the book helps Leisel understand Max’s situation. It also connects Leisel to Max in an indirect way, without using names. After reading the book, it is clear that Leisel knows that Max likes her for treating him like a normal person and for respecting him. It is also clear to the reader that Max trusts Leisel. “It makes me understand that the best standover man I’ve ever known is not a man at all...” (p. 235) The book allows Max to express himself in a non-verbal and non-direct way, while still conveying many of his opinions and fears. The Standover Man is very important to Leisel because it lets her take a look into Max’s timid personality and life and allows them to understand each other even better.

Max tears out the pages of Mein Kampf because he thinks that he really owes Leisel and wants to give her something, even though he has nothing. He knows that she loves books, and he gives her The Standover Man because it is easy to read, helps them understand each other better, and is a way to return a gift to Leisel. Max wants to convey that he really likes Leisel and wants to be her friend, and the book is a perfect way to stay in line with his timid, scared, and cautious personality.

In many ways, the book is a great way for Max to express himself non-verbally, and really shows how much Max likes Leisel and how he wants to thank her for her gift to him. It helps Max ask for Leisel’s friendship and compliments/thanks Leisel in a very implicit and shy way. Giving the book to Leisel is also a method for Max to repay the family a little bit for housing and hiding him. After reading the book, Leisel understands Max better, and them understanding each other and being friends could have a large effect on the events for the rest of the play.