From Zusak's The Book Thief, how might one write a thesis statement on the symbolic meaning of Han's accordion?

A thesis statement is the controlling sentence of an essay. Usually, a thesis statement makes a claim that the writer supports, then lists details that will be discussed within the essay about that claim. For example, a thesis statement about the symbolism behind Hubermann's accordion might claim what it represents in the story and then list three examples that will be discussed in the body paragraphs of the essay. Here's an example:

Hans Hubermann's accordion represents loyal friendship, protection, and comfort because not only does it provide enjoyment for those who hear its music, it also connects the Vandenburgs with the Hubermanns and the Hubermanns with each other.

The thesis statement above declares three things that the accordion provides to people in the book. Then it shows how the accordion helps to connect family and friends during times of war. Next, the writer would shape the body of the essay to prove the statement true by providing specific examples for what is listed therein. Here are a few passages that support the thesis statement above:

"Then there was his other savior. It was the accordion that most likely spared him from total ostracism . . . there was no one in Molchin who could play exactly like him" (183).

The above passage supports how the accordion represents protection for Hubermann when he might have become an outcast if it weren't for his ability to play. The following example shows how the accordion connects the Vandenburgs with the Hubermanns, while also supporting the "loyal friendship" part of the thesis statement.

"'Would you be Hans Hubermann?'

Hans gave him a single nod. He was reaching for a paintbrush. 'Yes, I would.'

'Do you play the accordion, by any chance?'

This time, Hans stopped, leaving the brush where it was. Again, he nodded . . .

'Are you a man who likes to keep a promise?'" (184).

Hans Hubermann shows his loyalty to Max's father by helping Max years later when Jews are targeted by Nazis. Since Max's father taught Hans how to play, and Hans later inherited the accordion as well, it becomes a code word between the two men for a promise Hans made years ago in World War I. But once Hans is called up to go to the second world war, the accordion becomes a symbol of love for Rosa--a connection between home and Hans. Rosa's reaction to Hans going off to war is somewhat surprising, but also understandable as shown in the following passage:

"Rosa Hubermann was sitting on the edge of the bed with her husband's accordion tied to her chest. Her fingers hovered above the keys" (429).

This passage shows Rosa connecting with her husband, who has gone to war by holding it for a very long time. This gives her some comfort and strength to face the war without her husband.

When writing a thesis statement, sometimes it is easier to find passages from the text that would work with the topic of the assignment first; then construct a thesis statement to answer the prompt accordingly.