Emma ’s Comments (group member since Oct 24, 2016)

Emma ’s comments from the The Commendable Coterie group.

Julianna C wrote: "The first parallel I'd like to point out is the significance of the book Mein Kampf to Max and how his own story, The Standover Man, was written over those words. First, Max erased Mein Kampf's sto..."

Julianna, i never dug deep into the symbolism of the color white on "The Standover Man" connecting it to the death of her brother, but now that you mention it i completely agree on the fact that it is symbolic to the rebirth of Max. Liesel was torn apart from her family and in the process had witnessed her own brothers death. The Hubermann's although a foster parents became real family to her, as well as Max. In a way he professes a brother like figure which was unknown to Liesel before.

Max's book "The Standover Man" is powerful in many ways. The book starts off as the man being corrupt, than transitions the "man" into Liesel, which is more of a safe haven. However i am confused as to what the last page represents, does anyone have any ideas?

Luke wrote: "To pose a question of my own, does anyone feel that Death itself is a symbol? I was thinking something cheesy like rebirth, and the perspective of life, however I feel there's something there I am ..."

I feel as if death is symbolic to reality. Throughout the novel death is presented somewhat as human, showing its emotions and distractions through color from their rather depressing work. However death is inventible, not just in Nazi Germany, but everywhere. From the start, death connects to the reader by stating "Here is a small fact. You are going to die" (pg. 3). As uninviting as it seems, it is the truth, which makes me appreciate Zusak and they way the book was written.

the quote above should say "on her hands and knees, next to his decimated body." ***

Erica wrote: "A symbol I noticed right in the beginning of the book was the accordion. The first few weeks Liesel moved in with the Hubermanns, she experienced terrible nightmares every night about witnessing he..."

Expanding upon comfort, i believe that Liesel also found solace in Rudy Steiner. He was predominately Liesel's best friend and partner in crime so to speak. "He didn't care that others made noises about the new girl's stupidity. He was there for her at the beginning, and he would be there later on..." (pg. 51). Rudy had no trouble professing his love to her, always longing for a kiss. When he dies you can clearly see how it takes a toll of Liesel as she was "on her hands and knees, next to his decimated body" (pg. 242).

^^(posted without finishing by mistake) *continued* I enjoy how this connects to the bigger scheme of things throughout the book how death watches closely upon lives and using diction when carrying them away. the last sentence of the book states "i am haunted by humans" (pg. 550). this makes me wonder, if you were death, would you be able to live with yourself knowing your occupation? if so how would it make you feel?

Personally, my favorite sentences told by Death is right in the very beginning of the book where he states "People observe the colors of a day only at its beginnings and ends, but to me it's quite clear that a day merges through a multitude of shades and intonations... In my line of work, i make it a point to notice them" (pg. 4). This shows how although death is foreseen as dark and frightening, it has emotions of its own. People pass day after day, but the one who souly touches upon all of them is death themselves

^^ i apologize for my long comment i just had a lot to say :)

Throughout the book i have noticed various forms of contrast such as Liesel's biological parents and her foster parents, Liesel and her peers, and even Liesel verses herself. Ultimately the contrasts between her old life and new life shape the book in a way in which keeps the reader interested and ponder their own thoughts. I often think of how Liesel's life would be different if characters such as her classmates and Rosa were more understanding towards her. Maybe more sympathy would have fueled her to not become the book thief she is due to lack of passion to read. I also wonder how the book would be different from other point of views. However, i do enjoy how the book is told from the point of view of death because it keeps it interesting and different than most books. Syntax in just the very beginning of the book made me love his writing style, always leaving me wanting more. For example death says, "I could introduce myself properly, but it's not really necessary. You will know me well enough and soon enough..." (pg. 4). Not only does death connect to you personally, but they do not also directly state who they are, causing you to dig a little deeper.