Student Question

How would The Book Thief differ if Liesel didn't have nightmares about her brother?

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If Liesel didn't have nightmares about her brother, the novel would differ significantly. Hans' compassionate role in comforting Liesel and teaching her to read during these episodes would be less prominent, reducing emotional investment in his character. The bond between Liesel and Max, initially formed through shared nightmares, might not develop as deeply. Additionally, the nightmares keep the novel's tone poignant, reminding readers of the war's impact and symbolizing Liesel's eventual healing and maturity.

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One way that it would be different is that we wouldn't get to see such an endearing, kind and loving side of Liesel's foster father, Hans.  Every single night he wakes himself from slumber to go and comfort Liesel; not only this, but he stays up late with her, for hours, talking to her, comforting her, and teaching her how to read.  We already know that Hans is kind, but Liesel's nightmares show just how wonderful a man he is. This endears us to his character, makes us more emotionally invested in him and in the story itself, making for a more poignant novel overall.

Another way that the novel would be different is that it would have been a lot more light-hearted.  The novel isn't inherently light-hearted at all, but, Liesel's nightmares keep her struggles and suffering front and center, and reminds us of the devastating war.  Her nightmares...

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are also a way for Liesel and Max to bond; they both connect initially over having nightmares.  It brings them closer together; without that bond, they might not have grown as close.  The nightmares also provide a symbolic healing, as near the end of the book, she overcomes them.  It gives us a sense of her maturity, and that hardships can be overcome.

I hope that those thoughts helped a bit; good luck!

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How would The Book Thief change if Liesel didn't have nightmares about her brother?

Liesel has nightmares about her brother who died for the first several months after moving in with Hans and Rosa. To help Liesel cope with the nightmares and her new foster home, Hans teaches Liesel to read and tells her stories. 

Throughout the novel, Liesel finds comfort and hope in her books. She is able to make a strong bond with Max, a Jew hiding out in their basement, because of their mutual love of books. Liesel reads books to others to calm them, help pass the time, and to learn about the outside world during the bomb raids. In Nazi Germany, people are sheltered from truth, but through books, Liesel can discover what else is in the world and make decisions for herself about the validity of the Nazi party. 

Liesel's ability to make unlikely friends comes from her ability to read and develop empathy and love through the characters in the books. 

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