Comparing Hans Hubermann and Alex Steiner

Both Hans Hubermann and Alex Steiner are unusual in that they are not completely confident in the Nazi Party, but, at least in this point in the novel, both men are fairly passive about their feelings because of their concerns for safety. Both Hans and Alex Steiner appear to be extremely aware of the effects their political opinions have on themselves and their families, particularly their children.

Death's description of "the contradictory politics of Alex Steiner" (49) is evidence that Rudy's father thinks it is important to be a member of the Nazi Party and does not want to further explore his feelings about the immorality of the persecution of Jews because "he [is] afraid of what might come leaking out." (50) Alex Steiner is especially concerned that his son understands his point of view when he reprimands Rudy for the "Jesse Owens incident." When Alex tells his son that he cannot imitate Jesse Owens because "they'll take [him] away" (50), he displays a strong concern for his son that is more important to him than his feelings about the Nazis, He does not reprimand his son for his behavior because he thinks white people are a superior race, but because he is afraid that Rudy will be taken away from him. Rudy's father further cautions his son to be happy with his "big, safe blue eyes" (51) because he is grateful that he and his son are safe from the Nazis, and wants to stress the importance of this safety to Rudy.

Hans's dislike of the Nazis is stronger and more definite than Alex Steiner's, but yet at times he can be nearly as cautious as Rudy's father. When he slaps Liesel for proclaiming that she Hates Hitler, Hans is clearly motivated by his concern for Liesel's safety rather than the belief that her opinions are wrong. Unlike Alex Steiner, though, Hans's concern for his own safety is not enough to prevent him from making his own small attempts to rebel against the Nazis. However, these efforts, such as his attempt to hide the Hubermanns' flag, often prove futile, and so far in the novel Hans has not taken any meaningful stand against the Nazi Party.

It seems likely to me, though, that Hans's behavior is leading up to stronger action he will take aginst the Nazis, especially because Death indicates that Hans is "contemplating on of the most dangerous dilemmas a German citizen could face" (116). Given this information and the fact that Hans has such a strong dislike of the Nazis, it seems likely to me that he will more openly defy them. Alex Steiner, however, seems much less likely to defy the Nazy Party because he has chosen to ignore any doubts he may have about Hitler and the Nazis.