“Sitting on the ground, she looked up at her best friend. "Danke," she said. "Thank you." Rudy bowed. "My pleasure." He tried for a little more. "No point asking if I get a kiss for that, I guess?" "For bringing my shoes, which you left behind?" "Fair enough." He held up his hands and continued speaking as they walked on, and Liesel made a concerted effort to ignore him. She only heard the last part. "Probably wouldn't want to kiss you anyway -- not if your breath's anything like your shoes." "You disgust me," she informed him, and she hoped he couldn't see the escaped beginnings of a smile that had fallen from her mouth.”
Explore This Quote Further
Modern Relevance:
In this passage from Markus Zusak's novel, "The Book Thief," the playful banter between Liesel and Rudy showcases the bond of friendship and lighthearted teasing between the two characters. Today, this type of banter and dynamic between friends is still prevalent and serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of true friendship.
Example of Usage
In this passage from Markus Zusak's novel, "The Book Thief," we see a playful interaction between Liesel and her best friend Rudy. Despite their teasing banter, it is clear that there is a strong bond of friendship between the two characters.
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, the interaction between Liesel and her best friend Rudy is filled with playful banter and a touch of lightheartedness. Despite the teasing and snarky remarks exchanged between the two friends, there is a clear bond and affection underlying their words.
Liesel expresses her gratitude to Rudy for bringing her shoes, which he had left behind. Rudy, in his typical cheeky manner, jokingly asks if he would get a kiss in return for his gesture. Liesel's response shows a mix of annoyance and amusement at Rudy's antics, highlighting the comfortable dynamic between the two characters.
This quote captures the essence of Liesel and Rudy's friendship, showcasing their playful and teasing interactions while also hinting at a deeper connection between them.
Reflection Questions:
In this scene from the book "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Liesel and Rudy exchange banter after he retrieves her shoes for her. This lighthearted interaction between friends reveals a playful dynamic between the two characters. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
- How does the banter between Liesel and Rudy enhance their friendship dynamic?
- What does Liesel's response of "You disgust me" tell us about her relationship with Rudy?
- How does Zusak use humor in this scene to lighten the mood of the story?
- What does this scene reveal about Liesel and Rudy's individual personalities?
- How do small interactions like this one contribute to the overall development of the characters in the book?
Similar quotes
“Hair the color of lemons,'" Rudy read. His fingers touched the words. "You told him about me?"At first, Liesel could not talk. Perhaps it was the sudden bumpiness of love she felt for him. Or had she always loved him? It's likely. Restricted as she was from speaking, she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to drag her hand across and pull her over. It didn't matter where. Her mouth, her neck, her cheek. Her skin was empty for it, waiting.Years ago, when they'd raced on a muddy field, Rudy was a hastily assembled set of bones, with a jagged, rocky smile. In the trees this afternoon, he was a giver of bread and teddy bears. He was a triple Hitler Youth athletics champion. He was her best friend. And he was a month from his death.Of course I told him about you," Liesel said.”
“Liesel continued the examination. She moved around him and shrugged. "Not bad."Not bad!" I look better than just not bad."The shoes let you down. And your face."Rudy placed the lantern on the counter and came toward her in mock-anger, and Liesel had to admit that a nervousness started gripping her. It was with both relief and disappointment that she watched him trip and fall on the disgraced mannequin. On the floor, Rudy laughed.Then he closed his eyes, clenching them hard.Liesel rushed over.She crouched above him.Kis him, Liesel, kiss him.Are you all right, Rudy? Rudy?"I miss him," said the boy, sideways, across the floor.Frohe Weihnachten," Liesel replied. She helped him up, straightening the suit. "Merry Christmas.”
“The tears grappled with her face. Rudy, please, wake up, Goddamn it, wale up, I love you. Come on, Rudy, come on, Jesse Owens, don't you know I love you, wake up, wake up, wake up.."But nothing cared...She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Liesel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like regret in the shadows of trees and in the glow of the anarchist's suit collection. She kissed him long and soft, and when she pulled hersel away, she touched his mouth with her fingers. Her hands were tremblin, her lips were fleshy, and she leaned in once more, this time losing control and misjudging it. Their teeth collided on the demolised world of Himmel Street.”
“To exemplify that particular situation, we can look to a cool day in late June. Rudy, to put it mildly, was incensed. Who did Liesel Meminger think she was, telling him she had to take the washing and ironing alone today? Wasn’t he good enough to walk the streets with her?“Stop complaining, Saukerl,” she reprimanded him. “I just feel bad. You’re missing the game.”He looked over his shoulder.“Well, if you put it like that.” There was a Schmunzel. “You can stick your washing.”He ran off and wasted no time joining a team. When Liesel made it to the top of Himmel Street, she looked back just in time to see him standing in front of the nearest makeshift goals. He was waving.“Saukerl,” she laughed, and as she held up her hand, she knew completely that he was simultaneously calling her a Saumensch. I think that’s as close to love as eleven-year-olds can get.”
“When finally she finished and stood herself up, he put his arm around her, best-buddy style, and they walked on. There was no request for a kiss. Nothing like that. You can love Rudy for that, if you like.”
“She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Leisel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like regret in the shadows of trees and in the glow of the anarchist's suit collection. She kissed him long and soft, and when she pulled herself away, she touched his mouth with her fingers...She did not say goodbye. She was incapable, and after a few more minutes at his side, she was able to tear herself from the ground. It amazes me what humans can do, even when streams are flowing down their faces and they stagger on...”