Summary and Analysis
Part 5: The Whistler:
Rudy's Youth
Summary
Franz Deutscher, the leader of Rudy's Hitler Youth group, makes Rudy and Tommy Müller run laps after Tommy makes mistakes during marching. Tommy, because of his hearing loss, doesn't know when to stop during the marches, and Rudy tries to tell Franz Deutscher about it. After Tommy and Rudy run, they return home angry and covered in mud. Rudy tries to gain sympathy from Liesel and earn a kiss, but she still refuses him.
Analysis
This chapter offers a glimpse into Rudy's life and how he is made to suffer in his Hitler Youth group. Rudy shares Hans Hubermann's sense of loyalty to friends, as well as his determination to choose right over wrong, even when making the right choice will result in punishment.