Definition of a “word”: a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning. However, words are so much more than sounds or letters on paper or screens. They can shape all individuals, inspiring, consoling, belittling, and tearing down. Although words are a universal power that can change the course of history, they can also hold personal power, shaping people’s understanding of the world, and giving everyone a voice, a meaningful way to express themselves and their unique perspectives. In short, words are powerful because they have the ability to affect how people think, feel, and act. In Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, he explores the duality of words, showing that they are the most powerful force, manipulated …show more content…
On the other hand, Hans Hubermann uses words to heal Liesel when she is first abandoned by her mother and grief-stricken by her brother's death. Hitler's mastery of language and ability to use words to influence people's perceptions helped him gain power. He propagandized and incited hate toward Jews through his words, resulting in the Holocaust. Although weapons are considered powerful, they can only do so much as to force people to pretend to believe in ideals. However, by manipulating language Hitler and the Nazi Party brainwashed the Germans in the name of nationalism and at the cost of their own people's lives. Additionally, they also recognized how others could use the power of words against them, and defended themselves by oppressing the voices of others, which helped them gain even more power. For example, the burning of books in Germany was a widespread practice that aimed to rid society of any ideologies that the Nazi regime deemed as ‘un-German.’ The burning of books was not only meant to suppress dissenting viewpoints but also erase entire cultural histories and narratives. By doing so, they gained the ability to easily shape public opinion and oppress the ideas and opinions of others to maintain power. When Hans initially teaches Liesel how to read and write, he describes it as “unlocking a door” and a “new world” being opened. Liesel learns a valuable life lesson from Hans, and he also provides her with a place to escape to in order to escape to heal and cope. While reading stories, she can immerse herself in another world and distract herself from the intense trauma she has been through. With these skills, Liesel can find comfort and control in words, a way of healing. Although the power of words is used in contrasting ways, Hans and the Nazi party demonstrate how words
Hans understands this and comforts Liesel in her time of need, showing her that the emotions she feels are acceptable. Her progress from this moment is evident when, at the beginning of the book, there was a reading progress test at school. Liesel failed miserably ending up in tears, but afterward, when a boy called her an idiot for her poor performance, she had the courage to kick him “as hard as she could in the vicinity of the groin” (Zusak 78). Though this was not the wisest decision she could have made, it shows her confidence and new ability to defend herself that she did not have before. This is also one of the first occasions that she acts out, which shows her increasing security within her family.
Yehuda Berg, a best-selling author, once said, “If we were handling a bomb which could go off at any minute as a result of our actions, we would mind ourselves and be delicate. Our words have the same power, yet we wield them around as though they were powerless and insignificant.” Words are one of the most powerful means of influence on Earth. Some people choose not to acknowledge the effects that their words may have on others. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak is a unique story that takes place in Nazi Germany.
Despite the constant fear and uncertainty surrounding her, Liesel finds strength in the written word. She spends countless hours reading to herself and to others, and she begins to see the power that books hold to inspire and bring people together. The moment where Liesel and Max share a book is especially significant, as it shows how literature can create a deep and meaningful connection between two people from vastly different backgrounds. Max, a Jewish man in hiding, and Liesel, a young German girl, are able to find common ground in their shared love of reading. This moment also emphasises the importance of empathy and understanding in times of crisis.
Max creates a story for Liesel, which serves as a form of escape. Zusak writes, "It was the story of the everlasting Jew, who lived forever and died at the hands of Hitler" (Zusak 365). Max's story provides Liesel with a sense of empowerment and allows her to confront the horrors of the war. Through storytelling, she is able to process her emotions and find comfort, demonstrating the freeing effect of words. By showing Liesel's connection to books and the power of storytelling, Zusak illustrates how words can offer solace, strength, and a sense of freedom in the face of
As she learns to read from “borrowed” books, her self-awareness of the propaganda and unfairness in Germany’s system increases. Bonding closer to Max, Liesel develops a belief in where everyone should have equal treatment as she expresses in outrage why he must stay in hiding. Near the end of The Book Thief, Liesel declares that she “hates Hitler” since she believes that his doing is the root of inequality toward
Hitler placed the blame onto the Jews, in which people were happy to do. The fear began to turn into hope, a hope that one day, Germany would be great again. Even when Hans had lectured Liesel, he did it with the hope that Liesel would not be punished and taken away. Another example of something which has powerful words is a book. Mein Kampf, a book written by Hitler to convey his thoughts and feelings to the people, did exactly that.
The Hubermanns are also hiding a Jewish man, Max, from Hitler and his devious Nazi regime. Hitler wants to kill off all the Jews, and create one supreme Aryan race. Throughout the course of the book, all of these characters have something to do with who lives or who dies, depending on the words they use. The power of words is so strong that they can save or destroy someone or something physically or emotionally. Max is saved by a collection of words by the book Mein Kampf when he is riding the train to the Hubermanns to try to get to safety from the wrath of the Naxi regime.
Firstly, Liesel’s understanding of the world is slim, she often is unaware of the tragedies that surround her. Although all of that changes when she moves to 33 Himmel Street. Before being taken in by her foster parents Liesel had little education and understanding of her surroundings. It wasn't until she learned the meanings behind words that she really understood the hidden dangers of the world around her.
There would be no limping prisoner, no need for consolation or worldly tricks to make us feel better” (Zusak 521). The characterization of The Führer was his words and they could lead to much destruction. The Führer’s words led to the genocide of Jewish people. Words have the power to create or destroy. Hitler used words to destroy nations and control German minds.
Liesel has realized she must respect the man who was the reason for her and her entire families suffering. She has realized she officially has lost her home, that she is completely isolated from the community. “It was quite a sight seeing an eleven year old girl try not to cry on church steps, saluting fuhrer”(Zusak 115). After losing all of these emotionally wrecking things Liesel learns and understands she needs to keep going forward. She refuses to give up she although times are rough manages to think, it could be worse.
Language is one of the most powerful ways to communicate with people in our life. This idea is also shown in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, where a young girl named Liesel explores reading and writing, experiencing cruelty and suffering living in Nazi Germany. Ultimately, in the novel, it is conveyed that language can be used with much power, either to manipulate or help. He expresses this idea through the motifs of books and Hitler. To begin with, characters like Max and Liesel are able to develop their understanding of language and writing and realize how much of an impact it can make on themselves.
Liesel, known as the book thief to the audience has a distinct passion for books and how much they mean to her. Stealing book after the book becomes a hobby for the young girl whose love of books is fostered by her foster father, Hans Hubermann. As Hans teaches Liesel how to read and write they develop an
However, words also separated them when Max, a Jewish man had to leave the Hubermann’s home in fear he would be found. It was Hitler’s words and his believes that had brought Liesel and her friend apart. Thus, Liesel knew how powerful words are. “The words. Why did they have to exist?
Liesel had no intention of going inside her new foster home on Himmel Street, until Hans spoke with her. Liesel immediately gravitated to the calm air surrounding Hans. Even though she had lost her brother and her mother, Liesel felt comfortable around Hans after a few short minutes. Yet again, this illustrates how Hans exhibited a positive, comforting quality despite living under the horrors of Nazi
At first, Liesel is illiterate, but when she steals her first book at her brother’s funeral, and is abandoned by her mother, she turns to something she