7 Reasons Why Max Vandenburg Is The Best Character In The Book Thief

Why Max Vandenburg is your favorite character in the book thief

1. He pacifies all the darkness and substitutes happiness

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Max is the “saving light”. Even though Liesel isn’t in a dark place at all for being in WWII Germany, there is money cuts and death all around her. Max is a distraction from this and brings up the spirit in the book.

2. He's a fighter with a strong will

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Max boxes Hitler. Who do you know is fearless enough to fight Hitler and keep their strength after being persecuted for years? He stands up every time and fights for himself and all the Jews in spirit. "When death captures me," the boy vowed, "he will feel my fist in his face." (31.26) he will keep fighting and keep going no matter what.

3. He's getting #TONED

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This one’s for the Ladies: He works out. Every day in the basement he works out to get stronger and work his mind to keep fighting the Fuhrer. HE needs to keep his mind strong to survive to the end of the war.

4. He brings the emotional attachment to the book

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He gives mood to the book in a way that captures your feelings. He goes into a coma and gives the mood of sadness but also gives Liesel a reason to read and fight for him to wake up. Creates an emotion that tugs at your heart. "To live. Living was living. The price was guilt and shame." (35.19-21) He had to do whatever it took to survive and even after he was safe he became sick and captured you in his struggle to survive.

5. Spirit/will

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He has a fighting spirit. Who doesn’t love a fighter? Throughout the whole story he is fighting something whether it be Hitler, Germans, his old neighbor and were sure he fought to survive Dachau. He is never going to stop fighting his own battles and persevering for his freedom. "When death captures me," the boy vowed, "he will feel my fist in his face." (31.26) this shows how he will do everything he can to live and thrive.

6. He lifts up the mood

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Brings a smile during hard times and is selfless beyond reason. There is so much kindness in his heart for everybody especially Liesel. Even with as little as he has available to him he gives everything he can to his host family to have a laugh or just a smile. "Do you still play the accordion?" (29.4) This is one of the first things he says to Hans when he arrives and immediately sparks a happier mood by bringing up happy memories of his father and Han's friendship.

7. Boxer

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Just like a great boxer should he conditions to gain endurance. He sits in the basement training his body and mind to fight for hours. Just like the famous fighter Muhammad Ali, he trains to keep going and continue to live.

Shmoop article on The Book Thief

Works Cited

* Shmoop Editorial Team. "Max Vandenburg in The Book Thief." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 02 June 2016

* SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 02 June 2016

* "8 Characteristics That Make a Great Boxer." Bleacher Report. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 June 2016

* Shmoop Editorial Team. "The Book Thief Max Vandenburg Quotes." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 02 June 2016.

In memory: Muhammad Ali

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Muhammad Ali died on Friday June 3rd, 2016. He was a husband, a father, and a fighter. He was also an inspiration not just for boxers to come but for generations of kids who hear his words and take control of their dreams just as he has. May he rest in peace.