Markus Zuzak “The Book Thief” Essay Example
Markus Zuzak “The Book Thief” Essay Example

Markus Zuzak “The Book Thief” Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (511 words)
  • Published: May 9, 2022
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The text discusses the concept of relationships and how they are formed between individuals or groups that frequently interact in a particular region. In the novel "The Book Thief" by Markus Zuzak, set during a turbulent time in Germany and a global era marked by war and death, the Nazi ruling group imposes further casualties on those who oppose their oppressive rule. Despite the challenging circumstances exacerbated by the Nazi regime, some people manage to establish relationships, largely influenced by the country's harsh and tense conditions, relying on each other for survival. The protagonist Liesel develops a bond with her foster father Hans, who sympathizes with her plight. Initially, Liesel experiences the loss of her only brother, who dies on the train while they are being transported to their new foster home by their mother.

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His brother has been buried, and as she stands over his grave, she comprehends the meaning behind the phrase, "at some point in time I will be standing over you, as genially as possible. Your soul will be in my arms. A color will be perched on my shoulder. I will carry you gently away." His brother's body is covered with earth, and they place flowers on his grave, marking his eternal departure.

After discovering the book stolen from a person burying his brother, Hans recognizes Liesel's desire to read and write. He helps her learn these skills, forming a father-daughter bond in the process. This quote illustrates Liesel's eagerness to learn. Later, Liesel and Max begin a relationship while Max is hiding from the Nazis at the Hubermann's home. Max's presence allows Liesel to further refine her reading and writing abilities

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strengthening their connection.

Max moves in with Hubermann because Hans fears that the Nazis will soon search his own home. Max feels guilty for putting others at risk and wonders how he could be so selfish. This emotive technique reveals that Max is tormented mentally by the danger he has caused. When Liesel discovers that Max has been arrested, she is compelled to release him because it is too dangerous to be associated with a criminal.

"There was chaos of goodbye," the author employs plosive consonants, harsh sounds, to depict the scene. Liesel, too, is acquainted with death as she has experienced the loss of many loved ones through its grasp. "Death also has a heart." Initially, it takes her brother, then Rudy, and eventually the Hubermanns and other villagers annihilated in bombings. This quote satirically presents death as a merciful and unbiased force.

Throughout her life, Lieser constantly lived with the expectation of death lurking at any moment. She believed that death was the only force that could bring her closer to the people she cherished. This novel portrays relationships as the sole means by which the inhabitants of many German towns endured the hardships of World War II and the oppressive Nazi regime. The story illustrates this concept by highlighting various situations that enabled Lieser to forge profound connections with those she encountered during her lifetime.

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