The Power Of Words In The Book Thief

Daniel

Ms. Lamble

ENG2D

05 May 2023

Powerful Words in The Book Thief

Words are used to communicate. They convey a person’s feelings and can be enhanced by the speaker’s ability to wield the language. Put in the wrong hands, and words can be destructive beyond belief. In Markus Zusak's novel The Book Thief the theme that words have remarkable power to alter one’s frame of mind due to the obstacles of Nazi Germany is developed.

Words are multifaceted. Anyone can use them, for good, for bad. It does not matter if it is a Fuhrer, a German, a Jew; that is what makes them so powerful. There are two paths for a word shaker. Exploit words for undeniable power, or use them for the sake of others. Ultimately, It is the delivery of the words which matter.

A prime example of words used with such malicia, is the Fuhrer, Hitler. As death says hauntingly at the end of the book “I am haunted by humans” (Zusak, 550), it is almost as if death is reflecting on all the malevolent actions humans have performed. Hitler spreading propaganda and murdering millions of Jews, the indoctrination of the German race, are all examples of how Hitler’s words both transformed millions, and killed millions. Words can also be harmful on smaller scales, destroying dreams, killing beliefs. In the beginning of Rudy’s obsession with the American sprinter Jesse Owens, Rudy paints himself black and runs around imitating the Olympian. Rudy’s father Alex Steiner opposes the idea, “I know, son – but you’ve got beautiful blonde hair and big, safe blue eyes. You should be happy with that; is that clear?” (Zusak, 60). Following this up, another quote said by Liesel confirms the fallout of Alex Steiner’s words “”You’re still not obsessed with him, are you?” [...] “Not really, but it would be nice, wouldn’t it?”” (Zusak, 360). Dreams are meant to be chased, but when a loved one bashes you of it, those words turn into

Words spread emotions, emotions of sadness, affection, all of which are contagious. When it comes to the words exchanged between Liesel and Hans, “It brought Hans Hubermann, her new papa, into the room, to soothe her, to love her.” (Zusak, 36). It is evident that Han’s actions and words of affection have an impact on the girl's perception of people, on trust. In addition, words can be soothing. They can be the reason a baby stops crying, after all, “The youngest kids were soothed by her voice, and everyone else saw visions of the whistler running from the crime scene.” (Zusak, 381). This portrays the hidden depth and meaning behind every word, the true power, and potential words hold. Nazi Germany has kept its people on edge since the war. Max being a Jew is subjected to much more worry. His time spent with the Hubermanns was deathly desolate. The constant anxiety of being caught by Nazi officials, the abstract dreams concocted within his imagination were all results of the isolation. To combat this, Max looked to words, he knew the power of words, what they held and the potential they carry. He begins writing a book with the drop sheets littered about in the basement, day by day, word by word, the distraction of writing alleviates the pain of loneliness. Max finishes a book for the girl who looked after him