The Book Thief Literary Analysis

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In the story The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Death himself narrates a story about Liesel Meminger, the Book Thief. Liesel moves in with a new family in Germany during World War II. Liesel assimilates to her new life as her whole family adjusts to the transformation into the Hitler era. As the war amps up, tough times make life difficult for the German families. Zusak creates an exciting and captivating story by developing the setting, characters, plot conflict, symbols, and theme. The Book Thief takes place from 1939 to 1944 during World War II. Liesel lives in Molching, Germany, with her family. During this time, Germany is under control by Hitler’s lethal regime, the Nazi Party. Liesel’s house is located on Himmel Street. The word Himmel …show more content…

The accordion represents a promise kept. Han’s made a promise to Erik’s family to help them if they need anything after Erik saves Hans' life in the war. Hans learns to play the accordion and becomes very good at it. He does this in honor of Erik. The accordion saves Max as Hans quarters Max in his basement as part of holding up his deal with Erik’s family.
Bread giving is another symbol that is used in the story. The giving of bread shows human compassion for others. Hans gives bread to the struggling Jew even though he gets whipped for it and he gets sent to war. Liesel and Rudy also give bread to marching Jews who are passing by even though Liesel gets whipped as well. Throughout the story Rudy changes from a, “Fruit stealer to a bread giver.” This means that throughout the story he changes from being a careless boy to being a compassionate young man. Zusak uses a theme of the story to teach a lesson. The lesson learned is the power that words have. In the last line of the book thief’s book, she wrote, “I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” The words at the beginning of the story help calm Liesel from her nightmares. Later, Max writes words that go against the Fuhrer and his ways. When the words are written down, they come to life in the reader’s mind. The words open new doors for thoughts and ideas that may go against the popular belief. The new thoughts can lead to powerful actions forever changing society and its

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