Symbols In The Book Thief

Words: 1390

Pages: 6

Open Document

An item is never just an item, an idea is never just an idea. There is always is deeper meaning behind an object's physical form. Throughout The Book Thief, Zusak uses elements of symbolism to create a novel layered with hidden values. Possessions in the book soon become representations of the memories and emotions the characters live with. This is why the theme of The Book Thief is simple objects can have complex meanings.
An example of objects having bigger meaning is The Gravedigger's Handbook. Throughout the beginning of the book, The Gravedigger’s Handbook becomes a recurring object that represents Liesel’s memories of family and the foundations of her future hobbies. On page 87, it states, “Liesel still held the book. She gripped it tighter as the snow turned orange. On one of the rooftops, she could see a small boy, sitting, looking at the sky.” In this passage, Liesel and Hans have just finished reading The Gravedigger's Handbook, when she looks out the window and imagines a boy, Werner, sitting on a rooftop. Also, on page 38, it states, “THE BOOK’S MEANING: The last time she saw her brother.” These passages show the relationship between the book and Werner. They ultimately represent how a book can have more value beyond the contents of its pages. The words, illegible to Liesel, have no influence on the true meaning of the book. The Gravedigger’s Handbook also represents the separation of her family. On pages 25 and 26, it states, “There was the …show more content…
Books become symbols of family and friendship. Accordions become symbols of tragedy. Items that were once represented happiness soon represent loss and heartbreak. In the end, the value of an object can only be judged by the ones directly affected by it. Objects with no larger meaning have no true value. The true values of an item come from the memories and emotions an it represents. After all, memories are all around, one just never

Book Thief Themes

Analyzing the Themes of The Book Thief Were the Hubermanns and Max Liesel’s true family even though they were not related to her through blood in anyway? This is one question that relates to one of the many themes shown throughout the Book Thief by Markus Zusak, which is family can go past blood. There are many other themes that are just as important in the Book Thief; for example, words have tremendous power, and during weak moments, people show their true selves. The themes show the characters’…

Words 1250 - Pages 5

Symbolism In The Book Thief

The symbols and objects I chose were chosen because of their symbolism for happiness and comfort. Han’s accordion was a symbol of comfort and family throughout the story and was a major memory for Liesel. The bread was chosen for it’s ability to bring joy despite it being a luxury we take for granted. An example of this is when Rudy and Liesel lay bread in the street for the marching jews. Though Rudy and Liesel were chased down, they brought hope to those who found and ate the bread. Max was given…

Words 473 - Pages 2

The Lost Hero And The Lightning Thief Comparison

related in a way to our parents whether we like it or not. However we all take different paths but we can’t help that we act similar to our parents. In the story’s The Lost Hero, and The Lightning Thief characters can connect through and have conflicts with other Greek or Roman Demigods. In the Lightning Thief the characters have tight bonds between characters like Percy. They were on a quest to rescue Percy’s mom. In the Lost Hero, the characters from the start of the story face multiple events that…

Words 997 - Pages 4

Cruelty In The Book Thief

in humankind today and have been over the years. Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief explores the varying extents of human cruelty and kindness. In the novel, bread is developed as a symbol of empathy. Overtime, words have a powerful influence on individuals. Finally, how the characters’ used Hitler’s powerful book Mein Kampf. Therefore, through giving bread, the powerful influence words have on individuals, and Hitler’s powerful book Mein Kampf. Zusak develops the theme that humans have the ability to…

Words 805 - Pages 4

RitS Essay

if this little old plant don’t get more sun than it’s been getting it ain’t never going to see spring again.” 40. In this story there are some major symbols like Mama’s plant, the new house and garden, and the insurance check. These all are huge parts of the story and in order to understand the story at its fullest knowing what these symbols mean is essential. Into the beginning of the book they receive the check this is a big excitement for the family. ¨Travis bursts back into the room. He holds the envelope high above his head…

Words 620 - Pages 3

Percy Jackson The Lightning Thif

Does Percy Jackson have ADHD? A typical misconception that people challenge about the novel, Percy Jackson The Lightning Thief is does the protagonist (Percy Jackson) have ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The novel Percy Jackson the Lightning Theif was a fictional series written by Rick Riordan, the same author for The Red Pyramid. The main character of the novel is Percy (son of Poseidon the sea god),. An allegation I support is that Percy Jackson does not have ADHD, but however…

Words 479 - Pages 2

The Book Thief Family Analysis

does an amazing job at writing the novel The Book Thief. Zusak used many different unique elements when creating his work. In the novel what stuck out personally was how important family was. Through all the tragic events in each individual character life they do not lose their faith in family and the important values that come with unity of family. There are a few symbols that connect to the meaning and security of the theme of family in The Book Thief. These things are Hans accordion, the power…

Words 1524 - Pages 7

Music In The Book Thief

In Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, music is used as a motif symbolizing hope throughout the book. One specific character that is associated with music is Hans Hubermann whos prized possesion is an accordian left to him by a Jewish friend, Eric Vandenberg, who teaches him to play while fighting together in World War I where they hoped the war would end so they could go home safely to their families. Although Eric dies in battle, the link between him and his dear friend Hans stays alive with the accordion…

Words 253 - Pages 2

English Essay

The Da Vinci Code Book Report In the prologue of the story: Jacques Sauniere who is the curator\manager of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Sauniere pulls a Caravaggio painting off the wall in the museum which ends up setting off the thief alarm (which is a containment to stop the thief from escaping the museum until police arrive). An albino man arrives at the other side of the containment and pulls out a gun and proceeds “where is it?” Sauniere lies to the attacker by saying: I have no idea what you…

Words 413 - Pages 2

Book Thief Symbolism

the written texts". Three of Liesel's books (both stolen and gifted) where chosen to symbolise three different ideas. The books were written in a specific order similar to that of the novel – firstly, Liesel is mourning and grieving the loss of her family, secondly, her passion for words then grows as she learns to read and write, and thirdly, what she does to overcome…

Words 1821 - Pages 8