Contents
Chapter 39 - Three Acts of Stupidity by Rudy Steiner
Overview
Rudy’s hunger, pride, and defiance trigger three missteps: a failed potato theft, a public beating and forced haircut by Franz Deutscher, and skipping Hitler Youth meetings. The consequences bruise Rudy physically and socially, but ultimately push him to transfer into the Flieger division, escaping Franz’s control and finding a better fit.
Summary
In November 1941, Rudy Steiner attempts to steal the largest potato from Mamer’s grocery. Caught by Thomas Mamer and denounced to the police, Rudy pleads poverty. Teacher Herr Link corroborates his story, swaying the watching crowd. Mamer ejects him without the potato, leaving Rudy humiliated and hungry.
At Hitler Youth, Franz Deutscher singles out Rudy by quizzing him on Hitler’s birthday. Rudy knowingly answers with the birth of Christ, provoking punishment runs and escalating hostility. Days later on Munich Street, Rudy throws a rock at Franz, inviting a fight in front of Liesel, Tommy Müller, and Kristina.
Franz quickly overpowers Rudy, blackening his eye and bruising his ribs. Kneeling with a pocketknife, Franz demands the correct birthday. Rudy replies “Easter Monday,” and Franz shears off Rudy’s fringe as public humiliation, while Liesel and the Müller siblings look on helplessly.
Afterward, Rudy initially continues attending to prove he isn’t afraid, but soon begins skipping Hitler Youth with Tommy. They wander by the Amper River and dirty their uniforms to deceive Rudy’s mother, until warning letters arrive and parental pressure mounts.
To avoid fines and Franz, Rudy transfers to the Flieger division, which builds model airplanes and lacks Franz’s oversight. There, Rudy complies with the Führer question and quietly shares composers’ birthdays with Tommy, turning his earlier defiance into a safer, if subdued, outlet.
Who Appears
- Rudy SteinerHunger-driven theft fails; defies Franz Deutscher, is beaten and shorn; quits Hitler Youth for Flieger division.
- Franz DeutscherHitler Youth leader who bullies Rudy, beats him on Munich Street, and cuts his hair with a knife.
- Liesel MemingerWitnesses Rudy’s assault and humiliation; stands by him during the aftermath.
- Tommy MüllerTarget of drills; witnesses Rudy’s beating; later skips Hitler Youth and joins Flieger with Rudy.
- Kristina MüllerTommy’s sister; present during Rudy’s public humiliation on Munich Street.
- Thomas MamerGrocer who catches Rudy stealing a large potato and expels him.
- Herr LinkTeacher who vouches for Rudy’s poverty, preventing police involvement.
- Frau MetzingOnlooking customer who criticizes Rudy’s choice of the biggest potato.