The Book Thief Theme Essay

Words: 452
Pages: 2
Open Document
The Book Thief, a novel written by Markus Zusak, revolves around Liesel Meminger, a young, orphaned German girl. The setting itself takes place in Germany, during the rise and fall of the third Reich, and the narrative is told from the point of view of Death - that is, the physical embodiment of Death.

It is Death who recounts the story of Liesel Meminger - a story which underlines both the tragedy of war and the determination of the human spirit, and emphasizes the innate beauty and despair of being human. Through Death, the reader is exposed to life, and through Liesel, they are exposed to the complicated nature of humanity - both love, courage and friendship, as well as death, despair and war. However, it is its themes of love and emotional …show more content…
The relationships Liesel harbors with the two reflect the theme of attachment, as well as enact as a driving force for the story. It is only because of Paula Meminger, the biological mother of Liesel, that the story develops at all; Paula is the catalyst that initiates Liesel’s journey, and it is her abandonment of Liesel that acts as one of the initial emotional triggers that sparks Liesel’s growth and development.

However, it is Rosa - the adoptive mother of Liesel - that aids in nourishing Liesel during this change. Rosa is the firm hand that provides a solid foundation for Liesel, despite the war-stricken area in which they live. Her presence is essential to Liesel’s character, proving both gentle and stern to a young girl with a restless soul.

Any connection Liesel has with her biological mother was limited and cut off early - but it is what little relation they had that pushed Liesel into the direction she went. And it is Liesel’s relationship with her adoptive mother that only further showcases the theme of the power of love and attachment that progresses throughout the novel. Without either, the aforementioned theme would not only fail to develop, but would lack the sincerity and substance that the book so beautifully
Show More

Related Documents: The Book Thief Theme Essay

The Book Thief Guilt Essay

his essay will discuss the themes and issues within the highly acclaimed novel The Book Thief, which was written by Markus Zusak and Published 2001 does the author of The Book Thief explore the notion of “guilt and shame” in the novel? I will refer to the social context and make connections with my values and beliefs. My understanding of Guilt and shame are the emotions people show when they meet up to an expectations or a standard, the fact of having committed a specified or implied offence or…

Words 607 - Pages 3

Power Of Words In The Book Thief, By Markus Zusak

Connections Essay The way humans behave, the way humans speak, act and even human’s personal values and beliefs. The power of words can shape society as a whole. The power of words can impact people’s lives by inspiring, in both positive and negative ways. They can comfort, relieve, oppress, conspire and tear people apart. This essay will explore the theme ‘The power of words’ across four texts: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Reader by Bernhard Schlink, Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream speech…

Words 2077 - Pages 9

OedipusBeowulfFinalDraft Essay

Edin Schneider AP English Literature Mr. Weeg 21 October 2014 Oedipus and Beowulf Compare and Contrast Essay Oedipus Rex and Beowulf are two entirely different works in terms of the cultures that they were written for. Oedipus Rex was written by the Greek playwright Sophocles in about 430 B.C., and Beowulf was written a few hundred years before 1000 C.E., when it was transcribed from the Anglo-Saxon language. Despite these obvious differences, the two works share identical archetypes. Not only…

Words 1681 - Pages 7

Need Jane Eyre Essay

and of their effects on the reader • demonstrate an ability to structure ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, in a logical, sustained and persuasive way, and to support them with precise and relevant examples LITERATURE SELECTIONS Theme for Year One: Perspective(s) Note: there are no alternative texts for the IB curriculum PART FOUR: SCHOOL FREE CHOICE (11th Grade Fall) Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre (9780393975420) Charlotte Brontë and Amy Corzine, et.al, Jane Eyre The Graphic…

Words 1979 - Pages 8

Essay on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Portfolio

Sophie Rothen Table of contents Introduction | 3 | Book report | 4 | Main characters | 5 | Themes | 7 | New book covers | 9 | Words and Phrases | 10 | Reflection | 11 | Film review | 12 | Interview | 14 | Song interpretation | 16 | Peer assessment | 18 | Vocabulary | 20 | Self evaluation | 22 | Introduction This portfolio documents my dealing with the book “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”, written by John Boyne, and the corresponding film…

Words 6434 - Pages 26

The Importance Of Belonging

HSC Subject Guide Belonging 2009 HSC: Area of Study – English - related material English HSC 2009 - 2012 is Belonging. What does belonging mean? From the Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus: belong, verb, 1) to be rightly put into a particular position or class; 2) fit or be acceptable in a particular place or environment; 3) belong to be a member of; 4) belong to be the property or possession of. Belonging, noun, affiliation, acceptance, association, attachment, integration, closeness, rapport,…

Words 4133 - Pages 17

Essay about Enlish: Poetry and Rhyme Scheme

English - Final Exam Terms to Know The following link is very helpful: Examples Glossary from Your Dictionary Alliteration In alliteration, the first consonant sound is repeated in several words. A good example is “wide-eyed and wondering while we wait for others to waken”. Alliteration can be fun, as in tongue twisters like: “Kindly kittens knitting mittens keep kazooing in the king's kitchen 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Alice’s aunt ate apples and acorns around August. Becky’s beagle barked and bayed, becoming…

Words 3228 - Pages 13

Essay on A Horse and Two Goats: Detailed Summary

system and long-standing traditions, and many of his stories are based on real events. Narayan is one of the most widely read of the Indian authors writing in English. He has published more than thirty novels and collections of short stories and essays, and was still producing new work well into his eighties. He has been honored for his work in India, in Great Britain,…

Words 7463 - Pages 30

Martin Scorsese's Historical And Contemporary Representationss Of New York City

Build a case to demonstrate the ways in which, within the collective body of Martin Scorsese’s work, he has created two differing ideas of New York, between historical and contemporary. In the scope of a 4,000-word essay, I will examine the differences between Martin Scorsese’s historical and contemporary representations of New York City. I will investigate this by deconstructing the relationship the characters in his films have with the city. Through conducting this study I will demonstrate…

Words 4505 - Pages 19

Essay about Having Our Say

from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do…

Words 9592 - Pages 39