How Does Liesel Use Language In The Book Thief

Language is one of the most powerful ways to communicate with people in our life. This idea is also shown in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, where a young girl named Liesel explores reading and writing, experiencing cruelty and suffering living in Nazi Germany. Ultimately, in the novel, it is conveyed that language can be used with much power, either to manipulate or help. He expresses this idea through the motifs of books and Hitler. To begin with, characters like Max and Liesel are able to develop their understanding of language and writing and realize how much of an impact it can make on themselves. Such as, when Max was escaping, he “turned the pages and progressed through the chapters, it was only two words he ever tasted. Mein Kampf.

For instance, Hitler “invited his people toward his own glorious heart, beckoning them with his finest, ugliest words, handpicked from his forests. And the people came (445).” In Max’s book, he is able to describe Hitler’s plan on ruining the world, with the power of language. And how he plants the words until it has risen all around Germany. Hitler is able to pollute others' minds with powerful lies during a crisis. conveying how one person’s words are able to bring many people to listen to his words. Furthermore, during the ceremony of burning books, “He received a torch from an accomplice and lit the mound, which dwarfed him in all its culpability. “Heil Hitler!” The audience: Heil Hitler!” A collection of men walked from a platform and surrounded the heap, igniting it, much to the approval of everyone. Voices climbed over shoulders and the smell of pure German sweat struggled at first, then poured out. It rounded corner after corner, till they were all swimming in it (111).” At this moment, people felt a sense of pride seeing books that they think are horrible get burned, but they don’t realize that the only reason the books are burning is that they have true language within, contradicting Hitler. Everyone fell for the trap of the words “Heil Hitler,” influencing everyone to think it is the right thing to say and follow. Hitler is able to understand what words can do to influence people, so he ruins everyone else’s words, so he is the only one in control. All in all, people think actions are more negative, but overall, it is the power of words Hitler is able to use to negatively influence the lives of