The character Hans Hubermann from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and the lyrics of “Everywhere You Look” sang by Wakefield, both displays that kindness can always be found, even in the worst of times. The Book Thief takes place in Nazi Germany, the era of torment and discrimination of Jews. It was a time “with clouds as mean as you’ve ever seen” (Wakefield). The sky was the color of death, as so many Jews were being killed and burned. The period was dominated by a population of people who had an animosity for Jews. Han Hubermann is a caring man, who in desperate times, isn’t persuaded to follow the Nazi ideals. In a society of prejudice, Hans is known as “the Jew painter...for painting Jewish houses” (Zusak 104). People who are kind towards …show more content…
“Somebody tell me please! This old world’s confusing me”, is comparable to Hans as he is in a world that doesn't follow his personal principles (Wakefield). As the book progresses, Hans lends a hand to the one’s in need, even though he knows that his neighbors would despise him. “Everywhere you go there’s a place, of someone who needs you” describes the idea that kindness is essential to life, and someone in the world is willing to sacrifice themselves for another (Wakefield). No matter the setting, kindness will always appear. In The Book Thief Hans witnesses a situation where a hopeless Jew is forced to walk towards his death. The Jew is hungry and pitiful. Hans observing the situation, is unable to control his feelings of empathy, and couldn't ignore the demoralized man. “Hans Hubermann held his hand out and presented a piece of bread [to the Jew...and was later punished by being] whipped on the street” (Zusak 394). Even though he knows that the consequences of his actions would endanger his family, he didn’t stop himself. His actions of kindness lead him to a brutal and embarrassing punishment. Kindness is a natural human emotion. It cannot be entirely