The Book Thief Death Theme

Ana Veros

Belbutouski 6

Language Arts

Book Thief Theme Essay

Death has “seen a many great things in this world,” as he tells us on page 549 of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. He has seen war, plague, famine, conquest, pestilence, and disaster. These things bring death, one way or another. In The Book Thief, most of these tragedies take place and Death walks the reader through it all. This is why the theme that ‘Death Is Always Coming’ is found in this book.

This theme is applicable as we find that Death is always coming for Liesel. Our first example for this is on page three we find the quote, “***HERE IS A SMALL FACT*** You are going to die.” This is an excellent example because Death is bluntly telling us that he is coming for everyone,

For example, on page 5, Death reveals his thoughts on his job and how he must do it because, “Who would ever replace me? Who would step in while I take a break…? The answer, of course, is nobody.” Death knows no one will ever replace him. Death knows that he is the only one who could do his job. Therefore when Death’s own metaphorical time comes he must bring himself to death. On page 543, Death says, “And remain.” Death will be all that remains, and so he must come for himself metaphorically at the end of things. “I am haunted by humans,” are Death’s ending words on page 550. Death meets humans. He becomes attached to them, and then one day he must collect their soul when they die. Memories of those select few haunt him forever as he knows it was his fault they have left. Surely this could drive one to insanity. Therefore a final example of this theme is found where Death is always coming for himself.

In conclusion, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak contains the theme ‘Death Is Inevitable’ in three prime examples. Death is always coming for Liesel’s soul, for everyone, and finally for himself. As Zusak says on page three, “***HERE IS A SMALL FACT*** You are going to