Examples Of Human Nature In The Book Thief

Experiences, Relationships, and Environment Define Humanity

In modern times, it is assumed that a child with a proper upbringing and diligent parents will grow to become society’s epitome of a perfect citizen. In The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, the development of human nature is explored as well as how experiences, relationships, and environment affect them. Rudy Steiner, a main character in the novel, represents someone who is raised to adhere to Nazi propaganda yet does not because of his experiences. On the other end, Max Vandenburg demonstrates a character who is raised to believe he is a scourge on German society but remains good because of his relationships. Lastly, Hans Junior is an example of someone whose humanity is influenced by

Hans Jr. is raised in Germany during an economic crisis, so he is one among many who is desperate for change and a strong leader. “In the opinion of Hans Junior, his father was part of an old, decrepit Germany - one that allowed everyone else to take it for the proverbial ride while its own people suffered.”(Zusak, 104). Since Hans Junior grows up in a desperate time period, messages of change and restoring Germany to its former glory are pounced on, and that desperation is a large factor in the development of his beliefs. However, Hans Junior’s willingness to create change in his country comes at the detriment to his familial relationships. When confronted with the fact that his father does not follow Nazi ideology, he says “It’s pathetic how a man can stand by and do nothing as a whole nation cleans out the garbage and makes itself great.”(Zusak, 105). His environment leads him to believe that anyone that does not actively help the Nazi movement is a coward for not pursuing greatness under the new regime. As a result of his actions and decisions, Hans is guided into joining the army. “I heard your son was there. In Russia. I ran into someone else from Molching and they told me.”(Zusak, 467). From this, it can be assumed that he is influenced by his environment to make decisions that he otherwise would not have, such as joining the army and fighting for Germany. Hans Junior is bombarded with messages and propaganda his entire life from his environment, and that causes him to take steps for his own future and creating what he thinks is a better Germany, but through his efforts, he only loses his