The Book Thief Dichotomy

Yin vs. Yang, Light vs. Dark, and Dawn vs. Dusk. There are so many words which can be used as antonyms, yet they all represent the same basic concepts of good vs. evil. Words can either be celebratory or be used destructively, depending on the context in which they are used. Nowhere is this idea of the duality of words more clearly evident than in works of literature set in the Holocaust. The Book Thief reveals the vast duality and power of words. Markus Zusak, the author, portrays this dichotomy through the characters of Hans Hubermann, Adolf Hitler, and Max Vandenberg. Readers conclude the novel with a new understanding of how words can work to help display both good and evil intentions. Characters in the novel are given unique personalities …show more content…
Max Vandenburg, the Jew in hiding from the novel, shows how words can be used positively. An example of this is when Max is writing his novel, The Standover Man: “Despite this (the fact that Max is not a writer), he formulated the words in his head till he could recount them without error…” (Zusak 223). Max uses his carefully thought-out words to inspire Liesel, and convey to her the story of his journey with her. Max uses words to bring Liesel joy by creating a book for her. This action inspires Liesel, as the story is about Max’s journey and life. Despite his struggles, he teaches Liesel about perseverance and the problems of life. Liesel gets to see that although life gets hard, it is possible to experience happiness, just as Max did. He provides a good example and role model for Liesel, via his speech. Max used his chosen words in the book for good- to bring a smile on Liesel’s face. Despite the strong arguments which support the notion that words can have dual meanings, some may argue that words only have one intention. However, this is inconclusive, because according to The Book Thief, words can have different contexts which change the meaning and the way they are said. The dichotomy of words is successfully shown in The Book Thief through the analysis of the speech. This is seen through many characters, including those of Hans Hubermann, Adolf Hitler, and Max Vandenberg. By reading this novel, readers gain an understanding of the duality of words and actions. It is evident that just as all things have a good and bad side, words do as

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