In class, we discussed the emotional and physical changes that Max goes through after living in the Hubermann's basement for such a long period of time. He feels like he is disappearing from the world and finds no purpose in continuing to live. However, it is Liesel who keeps him interested in life. Max's Christmas greetings are another example of Liesel's impact on his life. He is inspired by Liesel's imagination and finds hope in continuing his life.
Sadly, Max's health begins to decline after his happy Christmas to the point where he is so sick that he sleeps for many days. All of the Hubermanns are deeply concerned about his health, but Liesel is most concerned and brings him presents.
Finally, Max is revived and Zusak provides comic relief with Rosa interrupting Liesel's class to bring her the good news. When Liesel and Max meet, the reader sees a change in Max. He seems childlike in being "afraid of falling asleep again". He has a hope of living and is afraid of dying. This is different from the Max we first met, a young brave Jew who vowed not to easily give into death.
I was confused by Max's change in opinion about Death. Is Liesel the only thing that keeps Max pushing forward, or does he still have the determination of living like he did when we first met him?
I think Max really wants to believe that he will not die without a fight...but if you think of views about death of people in general, they tend to change as the process of death slowly becomes a reality, or as death nears. I believe everyone doesn't want "to easily give into death," but is very scared of the matter as it approaches, like Max is. Because Max has just been in nearly a coma, he fears the next time he sleeps that he will die. The coma is a sign of Max's death nearing and therefore his views do change from "not easily giv[ing] into death" to "being 'afraid of falling asleep again.'"
ReplyDeleteI believe Max's opinion about Death has not fully changed, but merely adapted to his current conditions. While his fear is brought to the surface by his recent coma, his true attitude that Death should avioded at all costs remains. Liesel cheers him up and makes his life worth living, but when the necessity arises he is willing to leave her, proving that she is not the only factor keeping him alive. Max will do whatever it takes to put off Death for even a little while longer.
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