The Book Thief Discovery Essay

In Markus Zusak’s historical novel, The Book Thief, he explores the concept of discovery through his characters and their experiences. More specifically, he does this by exploring the power of books and language, and of relationships for individuals and the wider world in order to maintain our humanity. The book is set in Nazi Germany during WWII, a totalitarian state which enforced antisemitism and censorship on the German people, which impacted their thinking, and access to books and relationships. As Liesel Meminger teaches herself to read she and the reader uncovers the power of literacy and how books can shape ideas and opinions. Through Liesel’s bond over books with Max Vandenburg, the importance of relationships is discovered and how

In the midst of a dystopian environment, Liesel, through the discovery of words and language, finds peace, knowledge, and a voice in her life. When Liesel realises that she wanted to understand the power of literature, a sudden desire kindled within her: ‘As for the girl, there was a sudden desire to read it that she didn’t even attempt to understand. On some level, perhaps she wanted to make sure her brother was buried right. Whatever the reason, her hunger to read that book was as intense as any ten-year old human could experience.’ Here, the metaphor of ‘hunger’ emphasises the sudden enthusiasm she has to learn more. This ‘hunger’ helps her to discover herself and the world around her, hence building her knowledge. The influential effect of books and the added confusion from her brother’s death adds even more fuel towards her hunger for books, language and words. Furthermore, Liesel’s identity and perception changes as she becomes more knowledgeable and expressive with her language: ‘Liesel, however, did not buckle. She sprayed her words directly into the woman's eyes. "You and your husband. Sitting up here." Now she became spiteful. More spiteful and evil than she thought herself capable. The injury of words. Yes, the brutality of words.’ Liesel sets her feelings free by using her language to deeply hurt Ilsa Hermann. Liesel went from being illiterate to literate, and hence the books and language that she has gathered along the way has allowed her to change her thinking and to develop a voice for herself. When Liesel discovers that her mother, who abandoned her, might have been taken away by the Führer, she exclaims, ‘I hate the Führer. I hate him.’ Through all the knowledge that she has gained from books, Liesel is able to have her say and to convey her opinions about Hitler to others. Books and language have helped her form that lifelong belief. She has changed her perspective on