Hope For Humanity In The Book Thief

Raised in an environment of death, war, and fear, Liesel Meminger and people she is close to are forced to find the strength to hope for a better world for themselves. Narrated by death, the story follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger, living in Germany during World War II. Forced to adapt to her new home; Liesel is exposed to the horrors that come with the war, but also the beauty that comes with it. In The Book Thief by Markus Zusak multiple characters show in their own ways hope for humanity.

Liesel Meminger shows hope for humanity through the kindness she shows for others in the book. For example, Liesel first shows her kindness towards Max Vandenburg by bringing him presents when he’s sick that included a ball, feather, leaf, newspaper,

For example, Rudy jumps into the freezing cold Amper River to save a book for Liesel that she deeply cares about. Death says, “A book floated down the Amper River. A boy jumped in, caught it, and held it in his right hand” (241). He proves he cares about Liesel and understands how important books are to her knowing she doesn’t own many of them for herself. Another example is when Rudy stands up for Tommy Mülle who is a boy with chronic ear infections that causes him to twitch uncontrollably. Rudy faces and speaks to Franz Deutscher when he makes fun of Tommy: “That was when Rudy stepped forward. He faced Franz Deutscher, looking up at him” (269). Rudy shows he will stand up for the weaker person knowing that it puts him at risk of a punishment. Lastly, Rudy Steiner was influenced by Hans and gives bread to Jews marching on the street. Death says, “He slapped some bread onto her palm. Your papa did” (440). Despite Rudy’s hunger, he goes out of his way to help the Jews on the street that are hungry and suffering. Rudy Steiner shows he’s a genuinely caring person throughout the book and wants to help others. He is also influenced by others and learns how to be a better