The Power of Secrets in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Essay

from Full Metal Alchemist says, "humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost." In the novel, The Book Thief, Markus Zusak portrays the multiple transactions humanity experiences but in return, they put their self at risk for defying others of higher power through some of those transactions. For example, the older character's transactions with people of lower stature, the young adults' dangerous interactions and the children's…

Best known for his book the Book Thief, Australian born author Markus Zusak has been writing for young adults since the age of seventeen(Grade Saver). Born in Melbourne, Australia to German and Austrian immigrants, Markus Zusak lived a very humble and quite life. However being the youngest of four, Markus sometimes was the forgotten child alongside his brother (“ My Life”).Growing up in a family was the oldest two siblings were idolized, led to some actions that his older brother and he got…

was close enough brand of German blond, but she had dangerous eyes, dark brown” Told her physical appearance. One of her thoughts that describes her interests is “There were all different styles of books with different sized lettering on the spines of the black, the red, the grey, the every colored books. It was one of the most beautiful things Liesel had ever seen” The fact that she was originally very paranoid is supported by “Every night Liesel would nightmare, Her brother’s face, Staring at the…

Adversity is a large factor in the shaping process of one’s character development, but it always varies from person to person. In his novel The Book Thief, Markus Zusak integrates adversity into the lives of his characters through the political struggles during the era of World War II, to ultimately shape their personal character and identity. The development by adversity is demonstrated largely through three different characters: Liesel Meminger, Hans Hubermann, and Max Vandenberg. Liesel Meminger…

It was on a train with Liesel’s mother and brother where they were travelling when death made his first appearance in the book thief’s life. He took the soul of her brother and only glanced at the girl truly, not taking real note of her as he did his job. She knew that her brother was dead at that point, but the shock wouldn’t truly take her until she snatched a book from where it had fallen near her brother’s hastily made grave. After he was buried, Liesel and her mother continued on their…

The tumultuous event of World War Two Germany reveals the human’s desire for strength. Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief explores the human need for feeling powerful and the lengths people will go to obtain it. When Liesel first arrives at the Hubermann’s she feels powerless, she attains power through stealing books and learning how to read. Rudy Steiner also longing for power tries to obtain it through standing out and impressing people. Max Vandenburg, a Jewish fist fighter hiding in the Hubermann’s…

The Book Thief (2013), directed by Brian Percival, is about a young old girl living in Nazi Germany (between 1939 and 1943) in the fictional town of Molching, Germany. Death narrates the story of the main protagonist, Liesel Meminger, beginning when she is nine years old and suffering from the death of her brother and separation from her mother. Liesel then goes to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann (played by Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson). When Liesel arrives, she is illiterate and is made fun…

are generally two sides to every human; the good and the bad. Despite a person’s actions, which may characterize them as evil, the good is the side that will ordinarily be recognized. Hans is one of the many characters in the novel, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, who has a dual personality. The novel takes place in 1939 Nazi Germany, in which Hitler was the leader. Although it was a hard time for all, characters still showed glimpse of kindness that portrayed their humane qualities. Specifically…

disturbing and all synonyms of horrifying. Death is inevitable and that is the most fearing aspect of his persona. In Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Death is made to seem or resemble humans. Effectively using the narration role, Death introduces a unique description and definition of colors in which he uses as a tool to effectively engage the readers to the events occurring throughout the book. He also demonstrates him personal and different experiences as well, mostly about soul gathering and the implications…

nonviolence. This I do by breaking the law and by peacefully submitting to arrest and imprisonment.” Markus Zusak’s novel, The Book Thief clearly demonstrates the positive outcome from acts of resistance through exchanges between characters. For instance, Hans displays resistance through his acts of kindness. In addition, Max’s courageous actions portray defiance. Lastly, Liesel uses the power of books and words to defy the Fascistic beliefs. Through exchanges between characters, acts of resistance…