Rudy Steiner is quite the character. He seems to be an arrogant, selfish boy, but, above all, we can see that he has "so much life" (242), as described by Death. From reading the introduction to TBT, we know that Death has a blasé demeanor to him, but for him to talk of Rudy in such a way proves how "out of the ordinary" the boy must be to him.
"The first thing [Liesel] saw was a snowball smashing into her face" (48). Not the ideal first impression. Although Rudy may have seemed to be a jerk to Liesel during their first encounter, he later proved to be a completely different character.
Rudy also has quite an edge. He not only likes the thrill, but enjoys the achievements that he makes from stealing and doing other unruly things. Rudy's obession of Jesse Owens lead to his bold action of "paint[ing] himself charcoal black and [running] the 100 meters at the local playing field one night" (48). He later puts his self-discipline to the test when he and Liesel plan to steal Otto Sturm's basket of food for the priests by making the road "icy" (162).
After they succeed, Rudy's loyalty and his kind nature compels him to share his victory with the gang. Rudy shows that he would rather be kind than be selfish. This behavior contradicts his normal disposition, proving that this boy has another softer side to him.
Why do you think Rudy carries himself in such a selfish way around others? We know he is a kind person, but does act so haughty for his reputation? Or perhaps it comes naturally to him because of the importance of competition (family-for necessities and attention) in his life?
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I sense there to be a void somewhere in Rudy's life that causes him to act out. Whether it be family issues or a personal problem, people tend to have inflated personalities when there is a gap within them. Rowdy behavior is often times attributed to the fact that such people need something to fill the hole up with, something to take place for the absence of the crucial thing missing.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Simone. Simone, I think you're going kind of "outside of the room" a little to assume that Rudy has family or personal problems. Like most families in the holocaust, Rudy and the others on Himmel street are going through tough times, which can put his actions a little on edge. Though the desperate times of the holocaust can definitely affect ones behavior, I think Rudy for the most part acts the way he does simply because he is young, and hasn't been taught to act differently. Rudy cheers Liesel on (page 77) when she is having trouble reading, showing he is a kind friend. Deep down he is nice, but I think there may be a few factors contributing to his sometimes conceited behavior and trouble making. Along with his poverty and immaturity because of his young age, Rudy is trying to act up for Liesel, as she is Rudy's best female friend.
ReplyDeleteI sense a need for attention, which is common in families with multiple children. This would explain Rudy's "Jesse Owens" incident, as well as his attachment to Liesel.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alexandra that in especially larger families, children have a tendency to want more attention. However I disagree with Torie that Rudy acts haughty or is selfish. I feel that he likes being different than others, like not embracing the same fears as other kids, but doesn't hold himself higher for being so. When Rudy finds money on the street(pg. 155), he shares with Lisel rather than selfishly keeping it for himself.
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