Liesel, the main character in The Book Thief, is quiet and shy at first, but with time she gains confidence and determination. When Liesel first arrives at the Huberman's home, she refuses to take a bath for weeks, perhaps because she is unable to adjust to the new environment. It is also difficult for her to adjust to her brother being dead. Liesel imagined him sleeping in his bed as she laid awake at night. Though Liesel is illiterate in the beginning of the story, she insists that Hans reads her the one book she has. Her determination promotes her to the grade her age group is normally in. Liesel is smart, and she learns how to read with persistence. She also is logical enough to not argue with Rosa's commands, but simply reply "Yes, mama." Liesel is impulsive, as shown by her grabbing the gravedigger's book, insisting on being goalie for Rudy's penalty kick, and trying to do the reading test when she was exempt from it. Liesel is very sensitive, especially when the kids in her class laugh at her. Her new-found aggressive nature causes her to beat up a kid severely. Liesel is competive, another reason why she wanted to prove herself by doing the test. Liesel is tolerant, probably from being around Hans so much. Liesel doesn't seem to judge Rudy or Rosa, accepting them for their unique personalities.
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I like your comment about Liesel being shy at first and then gaining confidence. What I'm assuming you're saying is that her gain of confidence is because she's ajusting to the Huberman's home. I agree with this, but I wonder if it's also just a reflection of the average 11-year-old: she acts tough and confident, but her nightmares late at night show she's really just as insecure as anyone at this age. I don't see it as a growth of character, but as average 11-year-old traits.
ReplyDeleteI like the adjective "sensitive" that you use for Liesel. She can either get really frustrated and want to fight, or she can get very sad and cry all night. But although Liesel may be sensitive, i think the experiences she faces help her grow and become stronger.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that Liesel was very shy at first and that she gained confidence when she gets used to the Hubermann's house. I liked how you said that Liesel is impulsive, but she is still logical.
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