Character Analysis of Hans Hubermann in The Book Thief

Appearance

Pale face, gray eyes, gruff and friendly face, hair is dark with some gray mixed in, along with a kind and gentle smile.

Quote about Appearance

"Liesel observed the strangeness of her foster father's eyes. They were made of kindness, and silver. Like soft silver, melting."

Family

Hans is Liesel's foster father and plays an important role in teaching her and helping her through the struggles of her time period. His wife Rosa is stringent and she is somewhat abusive and dismisses Hans because of him smoking and the fact that he doesn't have a real job causing him to have bad living conditions but Hans still constantly sticks up for Liesel. Hans has a son, Hans Jr. who disagrees with his stance and the way that Hans refuses to support Hitler's regime.

Quote about Family

"After a few minutes, a very tall man came out. Hans Hubermann, Liesel's foster father."

Quote about Family Dilemma

"At the time, Liesel had no idea that her foster father, Hans Hubermann, was contemplating one of the most dangerous dilemmas a German citizen could face."

Personality

Hans is gentle, patient and kind-hearted. He's a good father to Liesel by offering her emotional and moral support when she needs it. He's quiet and reflective, often dealing with the consequences of his past in WWI. He is emotionally strong, always remaining calm in tough times and risking his life to protect others, such as when he decides to hide Max.

Quote about Personality

"Possibly the only good to come out of these nightmares was that it brought Hans Hubermann, her new papa, into the room, to soothe her, to love her."

Quote about Gambling and Hiding

"It started with gambling. Roll a die by hiding a Jew and this is how you live. This is how it looks"

Quote about Past

"A Jew had once saved his life and he couldn't forget that. He couldn't join a party that antagonized people in such a way."

Colors Associated

The most prominent color that is associated with Hans Hubermann is Gray, which symbolizes his somber and patient nature. The color white could also symbolize the purity of his heart.

Quote about Comfort

"She still had nightmares about her brother and missed her mother, but there were comforts now, too."

Quote about Cleanup Heroics

"Over the next few weeks and into summer, the midnight class began at the end of each nightmare. There were two more bed-wetting occurrences, but Hans Hubermann merely repeated his previous cleanup heroics."

Internal Conflict

Hans struggles with the guilt that he has from WWI, he also faces a pacifist belief against the Nazi Party. He also faces inner conflict about when he has to decide whether or not to hide Max.

External Conflict

Hans is not accepted into the Nazi party because he doesn't accept Hitler, feels ashamed that his son was taken by the Nazi party, and risks his life by hiding Max, a Jewish person.

Hans' Mistakes

Hans acknowledges many mistakes in his life but believes that not joining the Nazi Party isn't one of them.

Hans Junior's Perspective

Hans Junior views his father as part of an old, decrepit Germany that allowed others to take advantage while its own people suffered.

Cowardice in War

Hans considered himself a coward during World War I and attributed his survival to it.

Hans' Love for Liesel

Hans cares deeply about Liesel, treating her like his own daughter.

Hans' Love for Music

Hans loves playing the accordion, which he plays in pubs to earn money.

Hans' Care for Max

Hans shows care for Max by deciding to hide him, risking his life during the Holocaust.

Hans' Artistic Passion

Hans is a painter by trade and enjoys painting.

Hans' Desire for Safety

Hans wants to keep his family safe from the dangers of Nazi Germany and World War II.

Hans' Protection of Liesel

Hans aims to create a stable environment for Liesel and prevent her from losing more people.

Moral Struggle

Hans struggles with his moral stance against the Nazi Party while living in a deadly regime.

Conflict with Hans Junior

Hans struggles with criticism from Hans Junior for not participating in the Nazi Party.

Symbol of the Accordion

The accordion symbolizes Hans' kindness, connection to the past, and comfort in uncertainty.

Symbol of the Color Grey

The color grey symbolizes Hans' quiet strength.

Symbol of Painting Doors

The act of painting doors symbolizes defiance against Nazi ideology.

Erik Vandenburg

Erik Vandenburg, a German Jew, taught Hans to play the accordion.

Hans' greatest strengths

His kindness, patience, and bravery, along with emotional resilience and mental strength in protecting loved ones.

Hans' main weakness

His tendency to avoid confrontation, especially with his son, Hans Jr., and his kindness which puts him at risk.

Hans' reaction to war

A sense of despair and helplessness, focusing on protecting loved ones while evolving his perspective on the war's devastation.

Hans' change throughout the story

He becomes more vulnerable and cautious due to the pressure of war, though his compassion remains.

Hans' consistency throughout the story

He remains deeply kind, morally principled, and loving, never compromising his values.

Defining moment of Hans

Volunteering to go to war after punishment for helping a Jew, showing humility and quiet ways of helping others.

Quote supporting Hans' emotional resilience

"It should have been me," he said. Pg.477.

Quote supporting Hans' change due to war

"His soul sat up. It met me. Those kinds of souls always do—the best ones. The ones who rise up and say 'I know who you are and I am ready.'" pg.531.

Quote supporting Hans' kindness and values

"Hans Hubermann smiled at his daughter then and the train was ready to leave. He reached out and gently held her face in his hand. 'I promise,' he said, and he made his way into the carriage." pg. 425.

Catalysts for Hans' change

The pressure of war and the consequences of his choices, such as giving bread to a Jew.

Hans' emotional state during war

Despair and helplessness, with a focus on protecting his loved ones.

Hans' perspective on the war

Evolves as he sees its devastation and the toll it takes on people's lives.

Hans' kindness as a vulnerability

It puts him at risk when he helps people like Max.

Hans' refusal to join the Nazi Party

Demonstrates his moral principles and commitment to his values.

Hans' relationship with Max

He chooses to hide Max, showing his loyalty and compassion.

Hans' relationship with Liesel

He remains loving and supportive towards her throughout the story.

Hans' emotional resilience

Able to remain calm even through harsh times.

Hans' mental strength

Protects those he loves even when facing certain death.

Hans' humility

Accepts punishment without regret while still trying to help others.

Hans' tendency to avoid confrontation

Particularly evident in his interactions with Hans Jr.

Hans' kindness

A defining trait that influences his actions and decisions.

Hans' cautiousness

Increases as the war intensifies and consequences of his actions become clearer.

Hans' moral principles

He never compromises his values, even when faced with societal pressure.

Hans' defining moments

Include his decision to help others despite the risks involved.