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External Forces In The Book Thief

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External forces have the ability to alter the persona of an individual throughout their life. In Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief Liesel Meminger lives in a poor household at the height of Nazi-run Germany. Large outside forces that have a direct impact on the personal life of Liesel develop her character gradually throughout the novel in a combination of negative and positive ways. The relationships Liesel forms with others, and the major events that happen in the harsh society influence her character. Liesel’s identity is shaped by the external forces she experiences which evolves her character. Major events are impactful on an individual’s being and can rewire a person’s personality completely. Possibly the most significant Liesel …show more content…

For instance, Max Vandenburg's friendship with Liesel influences her to learn from the mistakes of others and herself, as well as provide the pair with joy amongst the darkness World War II holds. When Max explains how “[he feels] the fists of an entire nation… [they] beat him down[,] they make him bleed[,] they let him suffer… he [notices] a tear torn down [Liesel’s] left cheek” (254, 255). Therefore Liesel strives to grasp the full extent of the suffering ‘her people’ have place upon Max and the Jewish people. The shame and sorrow she feels develops a new perspective on the world around her and makes her determined to be better to the people in her life. Also, Max fills the gap left in Liesel’s heart after her brother’s sudden death. Young Liesel craves the bond only achieved by siblings, Max and Liesel’s intimate relationship rivals one of siblings. Likewise, Hans Hubermann; as the only Father figure in Liesel’s life teaches her numerous positive life lessons. Since Liesel has no actual Father, she grasps onto the male guidance Hans provides her with. Liesel follows the instructions Hans gives undoubtedly due to her colossal love for him. Hans educates Liesel by issuing her with a set of morals on what is right and wrong, which Liesel carries with her throughout the entirety of her life. Thus, Max Vandenburg and Hans Hubermann become family to Liesel and influence her decisions

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For example, they both struggled with reading causing them to bond from working with reading skills which is a constant factor to bring them closer together. Liesel helps exhibit the good in Hans displaying that he is a good-natured, compassionate, sweet person. Hans Huberman looks at Liesel with a “face of warm silver” because he loves her and has a bond with her like no

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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.

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Both these protagonists happen to be political refugees avoiding Nazi persecution: Liesel’s parents were Communists and Max is a Jew. Max and Liesel alike have recurring nightmares about the last time they saw their families and these help Max and Liesel link themselves in areas where no one would understand their pain due to the loss of their family. Unlike most relationships theirs is based on their similar past and personalities as well as unspoken understanding along with the trust for each other. These similarities form a strong bond between Max and Liesel and this makes “The Standover Man”, a book compiled by Max using pages from “Mein Kampf” important, as Max helps Liesel realize that the power of words can be used to delight as well as harm others. “The best standover man I’ve ever known is not a man at all...”, a line within “The Standover Man” implies that Max believes that Liesel and he need each other and this friendship is unique to both of

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A main reason Liesel develops into the character she is by the end of the novel is due to the individuals she meets and her relationships with them. When Hans Hubermann becomes

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Among them, lit like lanterns, were Hans and Rosa Hubermann…” (Page 544). This quote shows Liesel looking back on her long life at her beloved foster parents, Rosa and Hans, with affection after losing them in the war many years prior. Another loved one of Liesel’s was Max Vandenburg, a Jewish stowaway living in the Hubermanns

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In the novel, Liesel’s behavior shows justice and love through her friendship with Max. Although her relationship with Max in the beginning of the book was rather awkward, soon her perspective towards Max soothes and their relationship bonds to a friendship. There are some times when Liesel’s actions were unbelievable, especially during the Jew parade. “ ‘ You have to let go of me Liesel.’

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