To some, an apple is a fruit. A dove is a bird. A black cat is a housepet. But this is all surface level. To others, an apple means knowledge. A dove means peace. A black cat means misfortune. Items can have hidden meanings and significance to each person.
Imagine is there was an emergency situation where you are forced to evacuate. Everyone is safe, and you manage to grab your phone in one hand. What do you grab in your other hand? What is so important that in an emergency evacuation, you reach for it above almost everything else. Personally, I would most likely reach for my headphones or earbuds, because if I lose anything, I can eventually buy it again. However, from the very beginning of a stressful process, I would want to listen to music to calm myself down or watch videos and podcasts without disturbing others. The earbuds are a significant item to me because it provides privacy and a sense of calm. But that's just me.
There were no earbuds or headphones in Nazi Germany, the setting for Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, at least ones that Liesel could get her hands on. Instead, she would bring a book or two. She would often read books during air raids, reciting literature to calm not only herself, but also those around her. Liesel was fascinated by words. At first, a book was her only reminder of her brother. Then, words became her weapon, something that made her feel safe and powerful. If she were to be evacuated, she would not go without her books.
"The words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hand like the clouds, and she would wring them out like rain" (Zusak 80).
In addition to the book, Liesel would also bring Hans Hubermann's accordion. The accordion was a part of Hans, and to Liesel, it represents the man who accepted her, raised her, and loved her like a daughter from the moment they met. The accordion is an object of reassurance, like a teddy bear to a child. She would never leave the accordion, and therefore her papa, alone to dust or burn in the case of an emergency calling for an evacuation.
"Papa was an accordion!" (Zusak 537)
The Book Thief is filled with significant items and symbols. Hitler's book, Mein Kampf, is significant to Max as it disguised him from suspicion. The accordion is significant to Hans as it's the last remanent he has of his comrade and friend from the army. To Liesel, books hold power that feeds the soul and gives people the courage to speak up.
I guess everyone has their thing.
What would you bring in an emergency evacuation?