"If your eyes could speak, what would they say?"
What was The Book Thief's theme? What did the story teach you? Each and every character had a lesson to show. Whether it was an important one or something small, Markus Zusak's characters had a message. Like many works of literature today, the lessons weren't directly given to me. Instead, it was my job, as the reader, to put together throughout the story what was being taught. So, if someone else were to read The Book Thief, what they learned could be different than what I learned. It's beautiful how one story can teach a hundred things. In the end, It all comes down to the reader.
Below I will explain what the narrator and the main characters taught me. How their struggles and adversities sent out different messages. Lastly, I will explain the biggest moral of the novel. What stood out amongst the others and what Zusak's message was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(The Character's Lessons)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Death
Throughout the book, Death kept me focused on mortality. He didn't hesitate to tell me I was going to die on the first page. Of coarse, this would come out as scary to anyone but as I came to know him, I realized he was right and also inevitable. He also let me know from the beginning of the novel that some of the characters I'd come to love, and many others, would tragically die. As shown in the book,"-Here is a small fact- You are going to die. I'm in all truthfulness attempting to be cheerful about this whole topic, though most people find themselves hindered in believing me, no matter my protestations....I could introduce myself properly, but it's not necessary. You will know me well enough soon enough, depending on a diverse range of variables. It suffices to say that at some point in time, I will be standing over you, as genially as possible. Your soul will be in my arms" (Zusak 3-4). Death's lesson throughout the story was that no one could live forever. No matter how much we came to love them, how powerful they were, or even how kind.
~No one can live forever.~
Hans Hubermann
Mr. Hubermann never hesitated to show kindness towards another person. Love came so easily to him. He took Liesel in as his own child, taught her to read, sheltered Max, gave bread to a Jew, cried for his actions that could've harmed his family, and countless more acts. It seemed as though Hans Hubermann could do no evil. As shown in this excerpt from the book,"In 1933, 90 percent of Germans showed unflinching support for Adolf Hitler. That leaves 10 percent who didn't. Hans Hubermann belonged to the 10 percent....he picked it up and spoke as soft as cotton. 'Is this yours?' 'Yes papa.' Again, 'Yes, papa.' A tired smile. Metallic eyes, melting. 'We'd better read it, then.' " (Zusak 63-64). Even though serious consequences and even death came to those who did not support Hitler, Hans couldn't bare to follow the ways of a cruel man with no love in his heart. He couldn't bare to mistreat anyone. Literature was also banned from many cities in Germany, yet Hans willingly taught Liesel how to read.
Rosa Hubermann
Mrs. Hubermann always appeared tough and unemotional. She had trouble openly displaying love. Rosa showed that she cared in more practical ways. She always made sure that Hans and Liesel were fed and taken care even in the most harsh circumstances. Rosa also nursed Max back to health with no questions asked. As shown in the novel,"As they walked toward Frau Diller's, they turned around a few times to see if Mama was still at the gate, checking on them. She was. At one point, she called,'Liesel, hold that ironing straight! Don't crease it!' 'Yes Mama!' A few steps later: 'Liesel, are you dressed warm enough?!' 'What did you say?' 'Saumensch dreckiges, you never hear anything! Are you dressed warm enough? It might get cold later!' " (Zusak 70). Rosa had a colorful vocabulary but she did all she could for those she loved. Even if it meant scaring them, disciplining them, and verbally abusing them. Hans and Rosa Hubermann taught me to love even in the harshest of times.
~Love even in the harshest of times.~
Rudy Steiner
From the moment I met Rudy I knew he would be a caring friend. Even through Liesel's protests, he never left her side. Rudy loved to joke around, play games, have fun, but most importantly he was loyal. He helped Liesel steal books, protected her from bullies, helped her through her hard times, but most importantly never stopped being her friend. Nazi Germany was the worst place for children to grow up in. So many things were expected from children. Yet, Rudy gladly broke every rule as long as he was with Liesel. He could have cared less if he got caught or in trouble. As shown in this excerpt from the book," 'Here,' Rudy said,'give me your shoes. You'll be quieter.' She rose up and Rudy gently opened the window just wide enough for Liesel to climb through....'Hurry up,' Rudy warned her. But very calmly and cleanly, Liesel walked over, picked up the book, and made her way cautiously out....'Saukerl,' she accused him. 'Where are my shoes?' Rudy's face whitened, which left her in no doubt....He looked down shamefully at the sullen sight of Liesel's socks. 'Idiot!' It didn't take him long to decide on making it right. Earnestly, he said,'Just wait,' and he hurried back around the corner" (Zusak 200). Even though he could have been caught by Ilse or the mayor, Rudy went back for Liesel's shoes. In every robbery, Rudy could always be counted on as the accomplice. He taught me that blood makes you related but loyalty makes you family.
~Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.~
Max Vandenburg
Max lived in constant fear and guilt. He regretted leaving his mother and endangering others for his safety. At times when he felt safe, he would find his thoughts wrong. Max greatly disliked putting the lives of others at stake. Living in the basement meant having a lot of alone time. This left him countless hours to relive all of his troubles. Even through the war that he always seemed to be fighting against himself, Max never lost hope. He dreamed of going outside to a world that accepted him. As shown in the book,"Now he turned on to the side street, making his way to number thirty-three, resisting the urge to smile, resisting the urge to sob or even imagine the safety that might be awaiting him....of course, there weasels the scratchy feeling of sin. How could he do this? How could he show up and ask people to risk their own lives for him? how could he be so selfish "(Zusak 169). When Max left the Hubermann household, he knew he was doing the right thing. Even if it meant crushing Liesel, he couldn't bare to keep them in any more danger. He set out into the world with hope for a better tomorrow.
~Hope can still be found in the darkest of times and in the most unexpected of places.~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(The Theme of The Book Thief)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Liesel Meminger
The Holocaust was a war that relied on mass communication to convey Hitler's message of hate towards the Jews and others not perfect enough to be considered German. Unlike many people around her, Liesel and the overall story focuses on using words to fight against injustice and to heal. Most importantly to make a positive impact on the world. At the end of the book Liesel and Max understand the true power of words. Not only that but we are given examples of ways words were used in a negative way. As shown in Max's story,"Yes, the Fuhrer decided that he would rule the world with words. 'I will never fire a gun,' he denied. 'I will not have to.' Still, he was not rash. Let's allow him at least that much. He was not a stupid man at all. His first plan of attack was to plant the words in as many areas of his home land as possible. He planted them day and night, and cultivated them. He watched them grow, until eventually, great forests of words had risen throughout Germany....It was a nation of farmed thoughts" (Zusak 445). Throughout Max's time in the basement, he grew to understand Hitler's ultimate weapon. Adolf Hitler used his words to convince his nation of committing atrocities. Yet, he did it in such a way that it seemed the correct thing to do.
The Book Thief showed me the very best and very worst ways words could be used. This novel also showed me that the German language could be beautiful. After the Holocaust, I imagine many, many people considered the German language to be harsh and evil. After I read this book, I realized words aren't important. The way you use them is what makes all the difference.
~Words hold power~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Text to Self)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I first learned about the Holocaust (watching The Boy In the Striped Pajamas, which by the way is the saddest movie I have ever seen) I immediately came to a conclusion that Hitler and anyone who supported him were the cruelest and craziest people that ever lived. As I came to know more about the subject, I realized that I wasn't too far off. Reading this novel gave me another perspective of Hitler. The way he used his words to convey a message of hate in a positive way wasn't crazy. It was actually pretty smart. I won't give him credit for anything though. It no way is it right to attempt to annihilate a type of race.
I won't deny that I learned to consider the German language to be harsh and rude. Countless videos compare other languages to German. The main difference in every one of them is that they always pronounce any German word in a harsh tone. Why? Maybe because of Hitler? I also stumbled upon an Italian girl and a German boy trying to speak each others native tongues. The boy did his best to speak Italian, but when it was the girl's turn she immediately sounded angry as she spoke German. The boy did correct her and said,"Why do you do that? It's not an angry language." He found it offensive, and I would too. I feel that German's should not be judged for the actions of the past. Just like Americans or any other country. Every language is beautiful.
What was The Book Thief's theme? What did the story teach you? Each and every character had a lesson to show. Whether it was an important one or something small, Markus Zusak's characters had a message. Like many works of literature today, the lessons weren't directly given to me. Instead, it was my job, as the reader, to put together throughout the story what was being taught. So, if someone else were to read The Book Thief, what they learned could be different than what I learned. It's beautiful how one story can teach a hundred things. In the end, It all comes down to the reader.
Below I will explain what the narrator and the main characters taught me. How their struggles and adversities sent out different messages. Lastly, I will explain the biggest moral of the novel. What stood out amongst the others and what Zusak's message was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(The Character's Lessons)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Death
Throughout the book, Death kept me focused on mortality. He didn't hesitate to tell me I was going to die on the first page. Of coarse, this would come out as scary to anyone but as I came to know him, I realized he was right and also inevitable. He also let me know from the beginning of the novel that some of the characters I'd come to love, and many others, would tragically die. As shown in the book,"-Here is a small fact- You are going to die. I'm in all truthfulness attempting to be cheerful about this whole topic, though most people find themselves hindered in believing me, no matter my protestations....I could introduce myself properly, but it's not necessary. You will know me well enough soon enough, depending on a diverse range of variables. It suffices to say that at some point in time, I will be standing over you, as genially as possible. Your soul will be in my arms" (Zusak 3-4). Death's lesson throughout the story was that no one could live forever. No matter how much we came to love them, how powerful they were, or even how kind.
~No one can live forever.~
Hans Hubermann
Mr. Hubermann never hesitated to show kindness towards another person. Love came so easily to him. He took Liesel in as his own child, taught her to read, sheltered Max, gave bread to a Jew, cried for his actions that could've harmed his family, and countless more acts. It seemed as though Hans Hubermann could do no evil. As shown in this excerpt from the book,"In 1933, 90 percent of Germans showed unflinching support for Adolf Hitler. That leaves 10 percent who didn't. Hans Hubermann belonged to the 10 percent....he picked it up and spoke as soft as cotton. 'Is this yours?' 'Yes papa.' Again, 'Yes, papa.' A tired smile. Metallic eyes, melting. 'We'd better read it, then.' " (Zusak 63-64). Even though serious consequences and even death came to those who did not support Hitler, Hans couldn't bare to follow the ways of a cruel man with no love in his heart. He couldn't bare to mistreat anyone. Literature was also banned from many cities in Germany, yet Hans willingly taught Liesel how to read.
Rosa Hubermann
Mrs. Hubermann always appeared tough and unemotional. She had trouble openly displaying love. Rosa showed that she cared in more practical ways. She always made sure that Hans and Liesel were fed and taken care even in the most harsh circumstances. Rosa also nursed Max back to health with no questions asked. As shown in the novel,"As they walked toward Frau Diller's, they turned around a few times to see if Mama was still at the gate, checking on them. She was. At one point, she called,'Liesel, hold that ironing straight! Don't crease it!' 'Yes Mama!' A few steps later: 'Liesel, are you dressed warm enough?!' 'What did you say?' 'Saumensch dreckiges, you never hear anything! Are you dressed warm enough? It might get cold later!' " (Zusak 70). Rosa had a colorful vocabulary but she did all she could for those she loved. Even if it meant scaring them, disciplining them, and verbally abusing them. Hans and Rosa Hubermann taught me to love even in the harshest of times.
~Love even in the harshest of times.~
Rudy Steiner
From the moment I met Rudy I knew he would be a caring friend. Even through Liesel's protests, he never left her side. Rudy loved to joke around, play games, have fun, but most importantly he was loyal. He helped Liesel steal books, protected her from bullies, helped her through her hard times, but most importantly never stopped being her friend. Nazi Germany was the worst place for children to grow up in. So many things were expected from children. Yet, Rudy gladly broke every rule as long as he was with Liesel. He could have cared less if he got caught or in trouble. As shown in this excerpt from the book," 'Here,' Rudy said,'give me your shoes. You'll be quieter.' She rose up and Rudy gently opened the window just wide enough for Liesel to climb through....'Hurry up,' Rudy warned her. But very calmly and cleanly, Liesel walked over, picked up the book, and made her way cautiously out....'Saukerl,' she accused him. 'Where are my shoes?' Rudy's face whitened, which left her in no doubt....He looked down shamefully at the sullen sight of Liesel's socks. 'Idiot!' It didn't take him long to decide on making it right. Earnestly, he said,'Just wait,' and he hurried back around the corner" (Zusak 200). Even though he could have been caught by Ilse or the mayor, Rudy went back for Liesel's shoes. In every robbery, Rudy could always be counted on as the accomplice. He taught me that blood makes you related but loyalty makes you family.
~Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.~
Max Vandenburg
Max lived in constant fear and guilt. He regretted leaving his mother and endangering others for his safety. At times when he felt safe, he would find his thoughts wrong. Max greatly disliked putting the lives of others at stake. Living in the basement meant having a lot of alone time. This left him countless hours to relive all of his troubles. Even through the war that he always seemed to be fighting against himself, Max never lost hope. He dreamed of going outside to a world that accepted him. As shown in the book,"Now he turned on to the side street, making his way to number thirty-three, resisting the urge to smile, resisting the urge to sob or even imagine the safety that might be awaiting him....of course, there weasels the scratchy feeling of sin. How could he do this? How could he show up and ask people to risk their own lives for him? how could he be so selfish "(Zusak 169). When Max left the Hubermann household, he knew he was doing the right thing. Even if it meant crushing Liesel, he couldn't bare to keep them in any more danger. He set out into the world with hope for a better tomorrow.
~Hope can still be found in the darkest of times and in the most unexpected of places.~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(The Theme of The Book Thief)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Liesel Meminger
The Holocaust was a war that relied on mass communication to convey Hitler's message of hate towards the Jews and others not perfect enough to be considered German. Unlike many people around her, Liesel and the overall story focuses on using words to fight against injustice and to heal. Most importantly to make a positive impact on the world. At the end of the book Liesel and Max understand the true power of words. Not only that but we are given examples of ways words were used in a negative way. As shown in Max's story,"Yes, the Fuhrer decided that he would rule the world with words. 'I will never fire a gun,' he denied. 'I will not have to.' Still, he was not rash. Let's allow him at least that much. He was not a stupid man at all. His first plan of attack was to plant the words in as many areas of his home land as possible. He planted them day and night, and cultivated them. He watched them grow, until eventually, great forests of words had risen throughout Germany....It was a nation of farmed thoughts" (Zusak 445). Throughout Max's time in the basement, he grew to understand Hitler's ultimate weapon. Adolf Hitler used his words to convince his nation of committing atrocities. Yet, he did it in such a way that it seemed the correct thing to do.
The Book Thief showed me the very best and very worst ways words could be used. This novel also showed me that the German language could be beautiful. After the Holocaust, I imagine many, many people considered the German language to be harsh and evil. After I read this book, I realized words aren't important. The way you use them is what makes all the difference.
~Words hold power~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Text to Self)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I first learned about the Holocaust (watching The Boy In the Striped Pajamas, which by the way is the saddest movie I have ever seen) I immediately came to a conclusion that Hitler and anyone who supported him were the cruelest and craziest people that ever lived. As I came to know more about the subject, I realized that I wasn't too far off. Reading this novel gave me another perspective of Hitler. The way he used his words to convey a message of hate in a positive way wasn't crazy. It was actually pretty smart. I won't give him credit for anything though. It no way is it right to attempt to annihilate a type of race.
I won't deny that I learned to consider the German language to be harsh and rude. Countless videos compare other languages to German. The main difference in every one of them is that they always pronounce any German word in a harsh tone. Why? Maybe because of Hitler? I also stumbled upon an Italian girl and a German boy trying to speak each others native tongues. The boy did his best to speak Italian, but when it was the girl's turn she immediately sounded angry as she spoke German. The boy did correct her and said,"Why do you do that? It's not an angry language." He found it offensive, and I would too. I feel that German's should not be judged for the actions of the past. Just like Americans or any other country. Every language is beautiful.