Setting and Mood – Describe a scene in which the setting and mood are particularly effective. What language made them effective? Be specific.

Liesel and her family were in a neighbors basement waiting to get hit by bombs. Unfortunately, they had to leave Max behind because they couldn’t risk having him around with so many people who resent Jews. Everyone was freaking out waiting to get killed because of Hitler. Children were crying and even though they had been in that basement before, nobody was calmer or quieter. “Although they were right next to each other, Liesel was forced to call out, “Mama?” Again, “Mama, you squashing my hand!”(Zusak 380). Everyone was scared that they wouldn’t survive, even adults. “Liesel opened one of her books and began to read. The book on top of the pile was The Whistler and she spoke it out loud to help her concentrate. “(Zusak 381) Liesel knew exactly what to do even though nobody else was doing it. “When she turned to page two, it was Rudy who noticed. He paid direct attention to what Liesel was reading, and he tapped his brothers and sisters, telling them to do the same. Hans Hubermann came closer and called out, and soon, a quietness started bleeding through the crowded basement. By page three, everyone was silent but Liesel.”(Zusak 381)

That small action made everyone calm down and relax. The book she was reading was calming and helped them realize that they shouldn’t be freaking out over something that couldn’t have been avoided. She got the mood from chaotic to quiet. When in a time of crisis, it is important for one person to stay strong and help others do the same. That person was one of the least likely people in the room to be able to calm people down, which changes people mood to hopeful and optimistic. Liesel’s voice made them calm down, understand the situation and know that they couldn’t do anything about it so embrace the moment and relax.