Salt To The Sea Character Analysis

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“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”-Desmond Tutu. In the novel, Salt to the Sea, by Ruta Sepetys the characters are faced with the problem of Nazi Germany. They are all trying to get on a boat to escape the hard times. Florian and Emilia are separated from their families and become each other's family by providing hope through hard times. Additionally, the shoemaker exhibits wisdom and fulfills the role of a grandfather to most of the characters. Certain members of the group are brought together because they are injured or without a family. Throughout Salt to the Sea Florian and Emilia provide support for each other through a sibling-like relationship. When Emilia and Florian are trying to …show more content…

The Shoe Poet is very wise and he is constantly guiding Florian and Klaus in the right direction. When the shoemaker convinces Joana that he is fit enough to help gather bark Klaus follows his lead and “The wandering boy pulled up his pant leg to inspect his own tiny knee. Poet smiled and patted the boy’s head. The old man was still full of energy. He refused to buckle under the burden of grief and loss. ‘Be careful out there, Joana.’ he told me” (77) The shoemaker sets an example for Klaus since Klaus doesn’t have any direct family. Additionally, he is always watching out for people in the group and encourages them to persevere through grief and loss. The shoemaker’s optimistic way of thinking causes other members of the group to also think optimistically. Since Klaus doesn’t have a family, he identifies the shoemaker as his grandfather; “He leaned over and specifically addressed the boy. ‘And who is this?’ he asked, pointing to the shoemaker. ‘Opi,’ replied the little boy. Grandpa. Yes he was like a grandpa. That was a good reply. “ (247) The shoemaker’s efforts to comfort Klaus through chaos causes Klaus to think that The Shoemaker is his grandfather. Florian agrees with Klaus’ thoughts and thinks that “He seemed like a wise man, a kind man…. He probably employed an apprentice and taught him an

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