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“He walked with the slow, rhythmic pace of the mountain people, and, though the path was now steepening sharply, he felt no strain. His legs, his lungs, all of his slight wiry body, were doing what they did best; what they had been born to do.”

This quote highlights the idea of destiny and identity. Rudi has to learn to become his own person, despite his uncle’s and his mother’s attempts to make him someone else. Climbing is not just a fun activity. It is something that is a part of Rudi, inherited from his father.

“You cannot put out a fire by wishing it. You cannot bottle the wind.”

This quote shows Old Teo’s insight into human nature. While Franz and Ilse have Rudi’s best interests at heart, they don’t understand that trying to keep someone from what they are passionate about is futile. Only when they teach Rudi how to climb appropriately can he truly be safe and thrive. His need to climb cannot be restrained.

“What your son did, Frau Matt, was a very skillful and a very brave thing. There is no question but that I would be dead right now if he had not done it. I think his father, if he were alive today, would be proud of him.”

From the beginning, Winter is a champion of Rudi. By highlighting the best in him and affirming him as a young man, Winter builds up his confidence and helps him grow into a mature person. While Winter is not permissive, he offers Rudi respect, and Rudi rises to the occasion, proving himself to be worthy of trust.