Struggles In The Book Thief

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Mark Zusak’s The Book Thief: A Hard Journey

Nazi Germany was a time of great suffering and cruelty and the only way to overcome these injustices was with help from friends and family. Marz Zusak’s The Book Thief depicts Nazi Germany as a time of great pain and struggle to survive in life in the characters daily lives. Hans Hubermann and Liesel Meminger are especially affected by these struggles, but they cope with struggles and help other people cope with their struggles by showing sympathy, offering a sense of safety and security and by showing affection. Ultimately, these characters teach us ways to cope with overwhelming grief and suffering.

In The Book Thief, one character in particular jumps out in terms of their sympathy and that is …show more content…

For example, Hans sees the words Jewish Filth written on a Jew owned store he decides to help the man “ I will come tomorrow, he said and repaint your door” (Zusak, 181). Hans goes against the Nazis because they write slurs on Jewish people's stores and homes and that is against his beliefs, he helps the Jewish people with their problems by lending them a hand. Hans does not only show great sympathy, but he also provides feelings of security to his …show more content…

For instance, Liesel tries to cheer up Rudy after his failed attempt at stealing, “ What am I waiting for? he asked, but Liesel didn’t reply. Again Rudy opened his mouth, but without words. He placed the toolbox on the ground and sat on it. His socks grew cold and wet. ‘Lucky there’s another pair in the toolbox’, Liesel suggested, and she could see him trying not to laugh, despite himself” (Zusak, 404). This proves that Liesel really cares for Rudy because she is trying to cheer him up at a bad time for him in his life, she helps him cope with his problems by showing affection towards him. Affection is not only shown by Liesel, but also by Hans and Rosa

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