Lecture Notes: The Book Thief - Summer 1940

Overview

• Setting: Summer of 1940
• Main Elements:
  • Reading "The Shoulder Shrug"
  • Visits to the Mayor's library
  • Playing soccer on Himmel Street
  • Engaging in stealing opportunities

Reading "The Shoulder Shrug"

• Liesel's nightly routine involves reading after calming from nightmares.
• Controversial book due to its positive portrayal of a Jewish protagonist.
• Liesel and her Papa, Hans Hubermann, read the book together.
• Liesel's reflections on the snow and her Papa's work struggles.

The Mayor's Library

• Regular visits to the library; Liesel reads several books at a time.
• Encounters with the Mayor’s wife, Ilsa Hermann.
• Ilsa Hermann's past trauma involving her son, Johan Hermann.
• Liesel develops a strong attachment to books and the power of words.

Playing Soccer

• Regular games on Himmel Street.
• Liesel's interactions with Rudy and Tommy Muller.
• Liesel's efforts to mend relations with Tommy after a previous conflict.

Stealing Opportunities

• Motivated by Rudy’s constant hunger.
• Friends with an older group of kids who steal fruit.
• Experience stealing apples from a farm with Arthur Berg's group.
• Enjoyment of the spoils despite potential consequences.

Candy Episode

• Liesel and Rudy find a single coin and buy candy.
• Sharing and savoring the candy due to its rarity.

Transition to Autumn

• As autumn approaches, focus shifts to the arrival of winter and its challenges.

Max Vandenberg's Struggle

• November 3rd, Max travels with "Mein Kampf" as a disguise.
• Max's background and friendship with Walter Kugler.
• The journey to safety and the tension surrounding identity papers.
• The paradox of using "Mein Kampf" for protection.

Summary

• The summer of 1940 marks a significant period of growth and change for Liesel.
• Liesel's relationship with books deepens.
• Her adventures with Rudy and the complexities of their friendship.
• Introduction of Max Vandenberg and his struggle for survival.

Key Themes:

• Power of Words: Liesel's growing understanding of the influence of language.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Liesel and Rudy's partnership and support for each other.
• Survival and Resistance: Max's journey and the use of "Mein Kampf" as a tool for survival.

Ensure to review related historical context and the significance of the events around 1940 for a deeper understanding of the narrative.