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Death In John Skelton's 'The Book Thief'

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Extended Essay Outline

Introduction

o Why the topic is interesting, important or worthy of study

In the words of John Skelton, “Great literature . . . makes use of death for its own purposes”. This certainly holds true for The Book Thief, a story in which Death is not just personified, but an actual character who is at once sarcastic, empathetic, and grim as he travels the world gathering souls during WWII. Death’s role as an omniscient narrator creates a tellingly unique form of narration as he presents a disconcerting and admonishing view of humans and their actions through his intense perception of colours.

This atypical version of an omniscient narrator is worthy of investigation, raising the question:

What is the literary function of …show more content…

However, due to his job, he has to refrain from acting on these emotions; instead choosing to stay aloof and distant.

ii. “ [Rudy] does something to me that boy . Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry. “ (531)

Analysis:
- Death also has a heart
- Death gets attached to humans
- Death feels pain; he doesn’t enjoy doing what he does
- Paints Death in a more sympathetic light

• Point Three: Death- The missing piece

o Point: Despite possessing countless humanlike qualities, Death will never be an accepted member of humanity because like Zusak states: “Death is the missing piece of us”.

o Evidence:

i. “The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. “ (491)

Analysis:
- Humans are mortals.. Their lives have a clear beginning and end
- Death is immortal. He has been around for eons; He’s omniscient.
- This sets him apart from the rest of humanity; making him see people more clearly then they see themselves. (He can be a better judge of the beauty and brutality of humans)

NEED MORE EVIDENCE (COME

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