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Power Of Words In Markus Zuzak's The Book Thief

773 Words4 Pages

Just as Jehuda Berg wrote, "Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.". Markus Zuzak’s The Book Thief, articulates the strength of words shared, narrated through the character of Death. Liesel Meminger has to leave her family for a better life in Germany. She moves to Himmel Street in Molching, Germany with Rosa and Hans Huberman. Throughout the book Liesel learns the invaluable power of words, and the value of a friend all while surviving in the time of Nazi Germany and World War 2. Words have the power to bring people together or tear them apart. Words change lives. The American Air Force bombed Molching, Germany after Nazi Germany declared war in response to the Pearl Harbor attack. “Liesel didn’t dare look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes, hanging on to her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out…kids were soothed by her voice”. Liesel Meminger reads in the air raid shelters while the sirens are going off. Liesel soothes the children and adults, bringing them together and creating a serene moment. The power of the soft words brought distraction …show more content…

There would be no limping prisoner, no need for consolation or worldly tricks to make us feel better” (Zusak 521). The characterization of The Führer was his words and they could lead to much destruction. The Führer’s words led to the genocide of Jewish people. Words have the power to create or destroy. Hitler used words to destroy nations and control German minds. Zusak used characters Eric and Hans to show how words can create descension and even enemies to those that were neighbors and friends. Micheal, Ms. Holtzapfel's son, and Hans Jr both risked their lives and battled for the goals Hitler set. Hitler's Words caused wars. Hitler's goals and views pitted Hans Jr against his father. Hitler's words led to the death of Micheal Holtzapfel. Hitler's words had torn the world

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On average a woman speaks 20,000 words a day and a man speaks 7,000 words a day. The Book Thief was written by Markus Zusak, the book had taken place during the time period of world war 2. The power of words is shown although out the book. It changes a person 's life in either a positive or negative way. Words power starts to really show from when takes her first book, all the way to nightmares that Liesel has occurred in which Hans was always there to comfort her.

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Words brought Max and Liesel together, Hans and Liesel together, and Rosa and Liesel together. When Liesel and Hans met, Hans soothed and calmed Liesel with his words and read to her, he would come in the middle of the night and stay by her side all night. Death asserts, “Not leaving: an act of trust and love, often deciphered by children.” (Zusak,37). When Liesel met Max, they bonded through similar backgrounds.

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