Liesel's Struggle In The Book Thief By Markus Zusak

At one point in time, it is inevitable for one to experience character building struggles. How these struggles affect individuals depends not only on themselves, but on those who suffer these burdens alongside them; whether they are literally going through the same situation or they are someone that is confided in. In Markus Zusak’s novel The Book Thief, Liesel Meminger’s struggles against imposed laws and societal expectations effectively reveals the rebellious aspect of human nature. Rather than allowing these struggles to conquer her, Liesel keeps a tight grip on her closest of connections and allows them to fuel her to rebel against and reject what is forced upon her and stand out. She is empowered by her close familial, friendly and brotherly

Although she has to leave many family members behind in the past, she maintains deep connections to them on an emotional level. Liesel has also been able to build a very strong relationship with her foster family, to an extent where she treats them like biological kin. Even as she has gotten used to her new home and to her foster parents, Liesel still constantly thinks about her mother and continues to care deeply about her. When Liesel learns that Hitler took her mother away, she states bluntly and out of anger that she “hate[s] the Führer” (Zusak 115). With no more than these few words Liesel rebels, not merely against the Führer, but against societal standards. In Nazi Germany, everyone is expected to love Hitler and the Nazi party. They are expected to salute, not by hello or Guten Tag, but rather by “Heil Hitler” (50). This is taken very seriously by some; Frau Diller, an owner of “the corner shop at the end of Himmel street” (49) refuses to serve customers who enter her shop without saying “Heil Hitler”. One must also remember that Liesel once dreamt that “he crouched down and smiled at her” and then “she returned the smile” (20). This means, not only did she not hate Hitler, but she also admired him and wanted him to recognize her. Out of affection towards her mother , Liesel changes her views towards the Führer, rejecting social and political standards; it is only natural that her love

Their relationship develops throughout the novel. They started as strangers when Max first stumbled into the Hubermanns’ house, then it developed as they started talking, “swapping nightmares”(220). As acquaintances, they would read together. Slowly they would become good friends, sharing wisdom and relying on each other. Liesel, at heart, is a very compassionate and caring person. She is willing to burden herself for the sakes of those close to her, telling her mother to come and get her if Max wakes up, to “scream out” and “start swearing” at her because “everyone will believe it” (319). The moment that her mother does so results in a slap on face from her teacher, Liesel, however is overjoyed, as a slap in the face means “Max is alive” (333). She is selfless in her actions towards her friends and brotherly figure, Max, in particular. It is a social and political expectation that all Germans detest the Jews. Liesel’s care for Max outweighs her care for following the rules leading her to rebel against them. Her care for Max is further emphasized by the fact that she is willing get humiliated in front of everyone and getting slapped for the sake of knowing that he is