The Book Thief Rhetorical Analysis

“I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” (Zusak 528) Words and the power they possess is a common theme that is heavily mentioned throughout the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Throughout this book, rhetoric affects multiple characters in both positive and negative ways. There are instances in this book in which one can see how words have the ability to tear people down, educate and inform, and to inspire individuals to follow their dreams.

The Book Thief is replete with instances showing how words can negatively affect a character or relationship. For instance, a Nazi soldier’s insults came close to influencing the character Max Vandenburg’s will to survive. Max was a jew who was forced to live in a concentration camp, and when he and his long-time friend Liesel were finally able to reunite and embrace, they were beaten down and verbally assaulted

The characters throughout the novel get impacted tremendously by negative comments. Most of the main characters in the book get torn down one way or another by a hurtful comment. However, words aren’t always used negatively. They have the power to teach new things which can increase one’s intellect. Liesel, throughout the book, was impacted the most by words because she started out knowing nothing and eventually she became very smart. The last positive thing words can do is make a person's dreams become reality. Max’s stories were beneficial to both him and his friend Liesel. They were an inspiration to them and allowed them to follow their aspirations. Words, and how we speak to one another can be very impactful. The Book Thief provides numerous examples as to how important it is to have a positive command of language, and we see how rhetoric has shaped the lives of many key characters throughout this