Language is one of the most powerful ways to communicate with people in our life. This idea is also shown in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, where a young girl named Liesel explores reading and writing, experiencing cruelty and suffering living in Nazi Germany. Ultimately, in the novel, it is conveyed that language can be used with much power, either to manipulate or help. He expresses this idea through the motifs of books and Hitler. To begin with, characters like Max and Liesel are able to develop their understanding of language and writing and realize how much of an impact it can make on themselves. Such as, when Max was escaping, he “turned the pages and progressed through the chapters, it was only two words he ever tasted. Mein Kampf. …show more content…
For instance, Hitler “invited his people toward his own glorious heart, beckoning them with his finest, ugliest words, handpicked from his forests. And the people came (445).” In Max’s book, he is able to describe Hitler’s plan on ruining the world, with the power of language. And how he plants the words until it has risen all around Germany. Hitler is able to pollute others' minds with powerful lies during a crisis. conveying how one person’s words are able to bring many people to listen to his words. Furthermore, during the ceremony of burning books, “He received a torch from an accomplice and lit the mound, which dwarfed him in all its culpability. “Heil Hitler!” The audience: Heil Hitler!” A collection of men walked from a platform and surrounded the heap, igniting it, much to the approval of everyone. Voices climbed over shoulders and the smell of pure German sweat struggled at first, then poured out. It rounded corner after corner, till they were all swimming in it (111).” At this moment, people felt a sense of pride seeing books that they think are horrible get burned, but they don’t realize that the only reason the books are burning is that they have true language within, contradicting Hitler. Everyone fell for the trap of the words “Heil Hitler,” influencing everyone to think it is the right thing to say and follow. Hitler is able to understand what words can do to influence people, so he ruins everyone else’s words, so he is the only one in control. All in all, people think actions are more negative, but overall, it is the power of words Hitler is able to use to negatively influence the lives of
There have been thousands of books written about war, but none are like The Book Thief. In most war novels, the authors focus on either side. Markus Zusak takes a unique approach by focusing on the terror-filled childhood of a small girl named Liesel Meminger. Because the protagonist of the novel is a young girl in Nazi Germany, the portrayal of her childhood drastically shifts the focus of the work from World War II to Liesel’s growth and awakening in spite of the terrible times. As Liesel matures, she learns the power of words, confronts uncomfortable truths, and grows into a confident, brave young woman.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a book about an illiterate young girl navigating through the trenches of a war-torn Nazi Germany. While she learns to read and devours whatever books she gets her hands on, she gains a better understanding of the world around her and grows into an independent woman. In this process, she expands her vocabulary and emotional intelligence, becomes bold, and supports her family with her words. Liesel’s character growth in Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief is symbolized by her growing confidence with language and words. Language gives people power.
Hitler placed the blame onto the Jews, in which people were happy to do. The fear began to turn into hope, a hope that one day, Germany would be great again. Even when Hans had lectured Liesel, he did it with the hope that Liesel would not be punished and taken away. Another example of something which has powerful words is a book. Mein Kampf, a book written by Hitler to convey his thoughts and feelings to the people, did exactly that.
The Infiltration of Words In “The Book Thief” the use of words can be seen in both a negative and positive context. From the harsh words used by Hitler and the Nazis, to Liesel who communicates love and strength. The author demonstrates that words hold the ability to convey powerful messages. Writer Robin Sharma once said, “Words can inspire, and words can destroy.
There would be no limping prisoner, no need for consolation or worldly tricks to make us feel better” (Zusak 521). The characterization of The Führer was his words and they could lead to much destruction. The Führer’s words led to the genocide of Jewish people. Words have the power to create or destroy. Hitler used words to destroy nations and control German minds.
You truly don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Everyday things are taken for granted. In “The Book Thief” It shows incredible examples of how loss transforms you for the better. “The Book Thief” Written by Markus Zusak is a novel based on Nazi-Germany during post World War 2. It Features the scary truth along with harsh humor, The story is told through the eyes of brave, Jewish girl named Liesel.
Additionally, everything in this novel was caused by words, from Hitler coming to power, Max using Mein Kampf to get to the Hubermann’s house, Liesel saving Max when he got sick, Liesel and Max’s relationship, and Liesel living in the end of the novel from being in the basement
Words can be used to harm people, or to heal people. This is evident in the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, which narrates the life of a young girl named Liesel Meminger who is living in Nazi Germany. The book navigates through interesting character interactions, while many life lessons are discussed throughout the plot. The novel develops a theme of words which is proven to be evident in the plot through symbols and characters. This is proven through symbols such as Max’s copy of Mein Kampf, and character interactions such as Liesel Meminger and Isla Hermann.
Max, Liesel, and Rudy all change over time and most changes in their characters are negative due to the Nazis forcing to change who they really are. The book “The Book thief” by Markus Zusak is a story about a German girl who’s Mom left her to be adopted and was taken in by Rosa and Hans Hubermann, shortly before the second World War. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak uses many descriptive words and sensory details in many situations in the book, this creates many dynamic characters.
The connection between Max and Hitler comes from Max being a Jew and Hitler’s public hatred for the Jewish people creates a sort of social connection between the two of them. This connection deepens between Max and Hitler as, “Max had cut out a collection of pages from Mein Kampf and painted over them in white,” Max ironically uses Mein Kampf, a work of hatred against his people, to create his own art and in this he takes the power away from Hitlers words (Zusak 223). This adds a new dimension to the power of words, this power can be taken
Liesel’s rebellions are shaped through her personal experiences and losses In times where people are expected to conform to the expectations of the society they grew up in, personal endeavor or losses have the ability to spark rebellion within individuals. In The Book Thief, Markus Zusak continuously shows how personal experiences of a character mold them into rebelling against the societal expectations of the Nazi party. After learning that her mother had been taken to a concentration camp, Liesel’s view of the Fuhrer quickly becomes hateful, leading her to openly express her hate for Hitler. Equally important, Liesel’s time with Max built a strong relationship, giving her empathy for Max, ultimately leading to another rebellion against the Nazi party ideals.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is an award-winning novel surrounding the main character Liesel, and her experience in Germany throughout World War II. As Liesel grows up as the novel progresses, she discovers various things about herself and her home of Nazi Germany. Throughout the novel, Zusak uses juxtaposition to emphasize the differences between sides. Zusak most clearly demonstrates his use of juxtaposition in the duality of Nazi Germany and how hate is not everywhere, and how the power of words can be used to either save or destroy. One example of juxtaposition in the novel is the duality of Nazi Germany.
Lucy Schmitz Honors English Hour 5 Mrs. Shaske March 8th, 2023 The World and Words Words are powerful. Words are everywhere; from the posters in a classroom to a sign on the sidewalk, or even propaganda. In many ways, the world is molded by people's view of it and the words that they use to do so. Unfortunately, in history, the influence of words have not always been good- for example, the Holocaust and WWII. To be specific, leaders like Hitler, have used words to manipulate or brainwash the population in order to be in control.
“Without them, there wouldn't be any of this. Without words, the Fuhrer was nothing.” The hyperbole is used to exaggerate how weak Hitler would be without words, showing how much power he received from them. By stating that “without them, there wouldn’t be any of this” it illustrates that all the pain and suffering caused by Hitler was also caused by the power of his words, demonstrating Hitler’s rise to power was solely from his ability to manipulate the public using words. By using his novel as a vehicle for communicating the idea of the power of words, Markus Zusak prompts the audience to consider the effects words have on
Having no one familiar to turn to, she finds a passion for words and continues to steal more books and develops strength through her burgeoning intellect of words. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is about the power of words; in this novel Zusak reveals that one who truly knows the hidden strength behind all words, can dominate others because words are more powerful than any weapon. The importance of words is shown through the symbolism of certain words throughout the novel; the motif of hunger, how it leads to her hunger for words; and how different Liesel’s world would be without words. Simple words can have deeper meanings.