Abandonment In Markus Zusak's The Book Thief

Improved Essays
MLA
El’Noam Afe-Aidelojie
Mrs Kronby
ENG3U1-04

Better off Alone
Abandonment is sometimes the only option people have. It is not so much physical but also a feeling in some ways. Though it may seem difficult in the short-term, it is all for a good cause in the long-term. In The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Liesel and many other characters have been, or felt abandoned during the tragic time of war and the Holocaust. As the main protagonist, Liesel’s adventure is put under the spotlight and hence why she is seen as the most neglected in the novel. Due to her young age, she can not comprehend why the ‘terrible’ act of abandonment happens. It is only later in her life that she starts to realise the traits of abandonment. Some of these traits include protection, current circumstances, and a brighter future. Therefore, abandonment can result in the greater good for an individual.

The first reason for abandonment is because of protection for a loved one. In the novel, Liesel gets neglected by many characters but usually finds someone else to fill the gap Liesel soon discovers ways to equate love with abandonment. The beginning of Liesel’s story starts with her and her brother, Wenger, on their way to being adopted by another family. Once Liesel reaches her foster parents she is reluctant to leave the car. It is only a long while after, when listening to Hitler’s speech, she realises why she was given away:
“The immoral! The Kommunisten!” That word again. That old word. Dark rooms. Suit-wearing men. “Die Juden - the
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Lisel was abandoned by both circumstance and heart. Some of the people who loved and cared for her because they thought it was the right thing to do, for her safety and others. Liesel’s life was filled with neglect but they usually had a beautiful outcome. Always consider, suffering is almost a guarantee in life but can be turned into positive experiences and life

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