Hans Huberman Contrast + Conflicts
Introduction Explore multiple conflicts of Hans Huberman, a main character of “The Book Thief”. 1.Contrast with his wife Rosa. 2.Internal conflict with Nazism. 3.Conflict with his son Hans Junior. How they help us understand the character Hans and aspects of the idea of Genocide.
Characterisation
Contrast with Rosa Huberman Very opposite and conflicting characters Differ in 3 main ways: 1.Difference in appearance 2.Difference in nature 3.Difference in the way they appear to other people All contribute to Hans’ characterisation.
Differences in Appearance Hans Huberman Rosa Huberman “very tall” Walks “straight” “squat”, “five foot one inch” Walks with a “distinct waddle” Differences encourage comparison between the characters.
Conflicts of Nature Hans Huberman Rosa Huberman Quiet man Eyes “made of kindness and silver” An abrupt woman with a short temper “a face constantly contorted with fury” Close characters (married) but are heavily conflicted in their differing natures
Conflicts of Nature Their natures are shown the first time Liesel encounters them Hans “coaxes” her out of the car, “quietly”, while Rosa yells at onlookers “what are you arseholes looking at?” This obvious and surprising difference emphasises Hans’ quiet and kind nature.
Difference in “Appearance” The way they appear to other people. Rosa is short, angry, boisterous, flamboyant. Hans comes across as “not noticeable. Not important or particularly valuable” Only the people closest to him notice the “quiet air around him” and understand he is “worth a lot”.
Difference in “Appearance” He is a “diamond in the rough” (“silver eyes”, “secretly valuable”) The rough means the people in Nazi Germany. Hans stands out as different from this hatred, explained more later. Hans is a quiet, gentle man whose value is in his quiet manner and gentle nature.
Shows characterisation and about the idea of Genocide
Internal Conflict Hans opposes Nazism Makes a “conscious decision not to follow Hitler” Does this because he is “unable to antagonise people in such a way”
Internal Conflict He is conflicted, because he opposes, but openly opposing is dangerous. “wears a face with the shades pulled down.” Opposes in his mind. Shows Hans’ integrity and kindness, he is unable to hate, but cannot oppose openly.
Internal Conflict Hans represents all oppressed Germans in WWII Gives us an insight into German people at this time. Teaches us about an idea to do with the genocide: people can still make good decisions based on kindness.
Internal Conflict Jew marching through Molching incedent. Hans gives a “stumbling” old Jew being marched a piece of bread, who buries “his face between them [Hans’ knees] and thanked him”.
Internal Conflict This act of heroism gives hope to the hopeless, and to us, that there is still kindness in the world. Hans shows courage. Teaches us about courage and heroism: can be but a small act of kindness or the courage to do what is right.
Characterisation and ideas of Genocide.
Conflict with Hans Junior Hans is against Hitler, Hans Junior is for him. Breeds conflict between them. Hans Junior has been brainwashed, poisoned. His eyes don’t carry the warmth of his fathers – they have been “Führered.”
Conflict with Hans Junior Hans Junior represents the Nazi movement, and the conflict represents the clash between the movement and people like Hans who can’t or won’t hate. Conflict also represents how families are corrupted by Hitler’s will.
Conflict with Hans Junior Shows us about Hans. “you’re either for the Führer or against him” – and both choices carry dire consequences, death.
Conclusion Conflicts help us understand the character Hans 1.Contrast with his wife Rosa helps characterisation through difference 2.Internal conflict with Nazism helps us establish some of Hans’ character and teaches us aspects of an idea to do with Genocide 3.Conflict with his son Hans Junior builds some more of Hans’ character and is used to show us another idea.