preview

Who Is Liesel In The Book Thief

Decent Essays

n The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Liesel Meminger is presented as an angry and distrusting person. However, as the work progresses, she evolves into a strong, morally driven character. The books that Liesel steals throughout the story symbolize each step in the evolution of her character and reveal important character traits. The first four books that Liesel steals are particularly important in understanding the development of Liesel’s character. Each book is significant and shows a key change Liesel goes through during her life in Munich, Germany. The first book that Liesel steals is called The Grave Digger’s Handbook. Before Liesel steals it from a gravedigger who drops it, Liesel’s brother dies on the train ride to Munich. She was mad …show more content…

She steals it from Ilsa Hermann’s library. Ilsa is the mayor’s wife. At this point, a Jew named Max has taken shelter in the Hubermann’s basement. Every night after Liesel stole The Whistler, “...Liesel read The Whistler aloud to Max as he occupied her bed” (Zusak 319). This book marks another significant step in Liesel moral development. She has discovered her passion for helping others. The Dream Carrier is the fourth book that Liesel steals. Liesel steals this book from Ilsa’s library. Max has become ill and a doctor can’t be called for obvious reasons. Death tells us that “She gave The Dream Carrier to Max as if the words alone could nourish him” (Zusak 328). Even though Liesel doesn’t know how to remedy Max’s illness, she tries to comfort him by reading him The Dream Carrier. The significance of this book is similar to that of The Whistler, showing that Liesel is keen on helping people as best as she can. Liesel’s personality evolves greatly during her childhood in Munich. Her stolen books show how she changes. They show the steps she takes along the path to becoming a better person. The author does this by telling us about the books Liesel steals and relating them to her current situation. Liesel goes from being stuck in her own sadness to being a strong person that wants to help

Get Access