“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.”
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Quote Analysis
In this quote from Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief," the protagonist Rudy shows his respect and understanding of the girl he likes by not pressuring her for a kiss. This moment showcases Rudy's maturity and consideration for the girl's feelings, portraying him as a respectful and genuine character. This quote underscores the importance of consent and mutual respect in relationships, highlighting Rudy's admirable qualities.
Modern Relevance:
In a society where consent and mutual respect in relationships are becoming increasingly important, this quote from Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief" showcases an example of a healthy and respectful interaction between two characters. It emphasizes the importance of boundaries and the value of platonic relationships.
In the quote, the absence of any pressure for physical affection highlights the significance of respecting someone's boundaries and not assuming intimacy without consent. This message remains relevant today as society continues to prioritize consent and mutual respect in all types of relationships. The act of Rudy putting his arm around the character in a "best-buddy style" demonstrates a genuine and respectful connection between the two characters.
Friendship and Respect in "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
In this passage from Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief", the characters of Rudy and Liesel demonstrate a pure and platonic form of friendship. Despite the intimate moment they shared, there is a sense of mutual respect and understanding between them.
Reflection Questions:
In the given passage from Markus Zusak's novel, the relationship between the characters Rudy and Liesel is depicted in a simple and understated manner. The absence of a romantic gesture such as a kiss is highlighted as a positive aspect of their friendship. This raises questions about the nature of friendship and love.
- How does the author's portrayal of Rudy and Liesel's relationship challenge traditional notions of romance and love?
- What does Rudy's actions reveal about his character and his feelings towards Liesel?
- In what ways does the passage subvert stereotypes about male-female relationships in literature?
- How does this scene contribute to the overall themes of friendship and loyalty in the novel?
- Reflect on a moment in your own life where a non-romantic gesture or action had a significant impact on a relationship.
Similar quotes
“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.”
“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...”
“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.”
“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.”
“He lay with yellow hair and closed eyes, and the book thief ran toward him and fell down. She dropped the black book. "Rudy," she sobbed, "wake up...." She grabbed him by his shirt and gave him just the slightest disbelieving shake. "Wake up, Rudy," and now, as the sky went on heating and showering ash, Liesel was holding Rudy Steiner's shirt by the front. "Rudy, please." THe tears grappled with her face. "Rudy, please, wake up, Goddamn it, wake up, I love you. Come on, Rudy, come on, Jesse Owens, don't you know I love you, wake up, wake up, wake up....”
“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.”