Life often entails societal changes that not only serve as obstacles, but also catalysts that coerce one to readjust one’s attitude. Likewise, the latter can be as simple as moving to a different geographical region, or as drastic as the arrival of a new, authoritarian governing body. Such is the case in the paths of Liesel Meminger in the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation of 1517. Both figures are awakened by external sources that enable them to discern the injustices imposed upon their societies, and choose to adjust their perspectives accordingly, using the power of words to speak out against unjust societal changes. Liesel Meminger is a foster child who, in the midst of a war, comes to understand the dire situation that the Jews …show more content…
Both figures recognize the need to act beyond their potential and what was expected, revealing to the others that dystopian nature of their societies. Learning to deal with challenges is often a sign that a character’s mindset is constantly evolving throughout the plot. Liesel Meminger is an excellent portrayal of this concept; when traveling to her stepparents’ house, Liesel witnesses the death of her younger brother and consequently learns to deal with adversity early on in the plot. Her most notable challenge, however, is establishing literacy as her defining attribute. In the beginning of the story. Liesel finds a book near her brother’s burial site entitled, The Grave Digger’s Handbook. Despite the blatant incompetence of her reading skills, Liesel, equipped