The Accordion's Role In The Book Thief

The Accordion’s Role in The Book Thief In the novel, The Book Thief, Hans Hubermann’s accordion plays a very important role. Hans received this accordion and learned to play the accordion from Erik Vandenburg, Max’s father. Hans and Erik quickly became good friends during their time serving in France during World War I. In Part four Chapter one, we learn that Erik was killed during the fighting in World War I. “When he tracked down the family of Erik Vandenburg in Stuttgart upon his return, Vandenburg’s wife informed him that he could keep it” (Zusak 178). Thus, Hans keeps the accordion that Erik had once taught him to play. The importance of the accordion is seen here, because now the accordion is the only memory that Hans has of his friend Erik. Hans also states that Erik had saved his life during the war. Mrs. Vandenburg shows Hans her son Max, who will play an important role in the Huberman’s family later in the novel. Since Erik and his family were Jewish, and Erik saved Max’s life, Max promised Mrs. Vandenburg that he would be there if she needed something. Also in Part four Chapter one Max asks two questions. “Hans Hubermann” (Zusak 173)? “Do you …show more content…
Liesel says this: “‘Please,’ she said, ‘my papa’s accordion. Could you get it for me?’ She removed the injured instrument and laid it next to Papa’s body. ‘Here, Papa’” (Zusak 538). Even right before Hans death Liesel wants him to play the accordion because she knows it will comfort her, and it will comfort other around her. Then, Hans begins to play the broken accordion.
“Keep playing, Papa. Papa stopped. He dropped the accordion and his silver eyes continued to rust. There was only a body now, on the ground, and Liesel lifted him up and hugged him. She wept over the shoulder of Hans Hubermann. Goodbye, Papa, you saved me. You taught me to read. No one can play like you. I’ll never drink champagne. No one can play like you” (Zusak