The Book Thief: Symbolism In The Book Thief

In The Book Thief, Liesel comes into ownership of many books that become symbols in her life. From persecution, to friendship, to coming to terms with anger Liesel’s books taught lessons. The Gravedigger’s Handbook symbolises a lot of things for Liesel. One of the things it symbolizes is the last time she saw her mother and brother. The day she stole the book was the day of her brother’s funeral and the day her mother gave her up to her foster parents. Another things symbolized by The Gravedigger’s Handbook is the relationship she developed with Hans. When Hans found out she had the book, she still didn’t know him that well. However, after he started teaching her to read it, she grew to love and confide in him. The Gravedigger’s Handbook also symbolizes the power that Liesel gained when she learned to read and write. She used writing to tell the story of her life and used reading to help those around

As Liesel and Rudy are in the middle of their heist, Ilsa Hermann discovers them. However, instead of getting mad, or scared, or any other typical reaction of finding a thief, she stands there and just looks at Liesel. While Liesel is about to leave, she gives a quick Heil of the Fuhrer and then internally questions how the mayor didn’t notice the cookies on the desk. She then comes to the realization that library actually belongs to Ilsa and not to the Mayor himself. This prompts Liesel to ask Ilsa if the room is hers, to which the answer is yes. Liesel asks if she has ever read The Last Human Stranger, and Ilsa says that it’s “not bad.” With this Liesel tries to find something else to talk about, but Ilsa tells her that she should go, saying “He’s waiting for you.” This is because she can see Rudy’s hair through the window. This is the last time Liesel comes into the house before being taken in by the Hermanns, therefore it’s the last time that she comes into the house as a