A Palette of Feelings
Color- the property possessed by an object that produces different sensations on the eye as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light (Dictionary.com). In today’s society, we tend to disregard colors that are unappealing. We always go straight for the pretty blues or the elegant purples. As we come across colors that are dreary or as we refer some as “ugly”, we turn away and ignore them. Even though they might not be the most attractive exterior color, their inner meanings are much more powerful. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, takes place during World War II in Molching, Germany. On Himmel Street, the sky and characters are submerged in an array of both vibrant and subdued colors. The emotions and experiences …show more content…
Zusak includes yellow to create an optimistic effect during this dark time. Yellow is the color of the sun. The sun is the center of aspiration and light. The sun gives the characters a sense of certainty and an idealistic prospect. Zusak demonstrates this by metaphorically describing the characters’ journey to hope: “It was a Monday and they walked on a tightrope to the sun.” (249). As we know walking a tightrope is very strenuous. Trying to balance both feet on narrow rope in the air is not an effortless task. Similarly, trying to escape the wrath of Hitler and his chaotic uproars is not an easy thing to overcome. If that is not arduous enough, finding the light at the end of the tunnel or the sun at the end of the tightrope is another journey to conquer. Furthermore, in Nazi Germany Aryans are secure because of their looks. A Hitler youth, Rudy Steiner, is struggling to grasp onto the concept that his looks are what keeps him safe. As his dad tries to explain it, “You've got beautiful blond hair and big safe blue eyes. You should be happy with that; is that clear?” (Zusak 61). Rudy is a kid full of joy and jubilance who soon develops a hate for Hitler. While running at a Nazi Youth track meet, Rudy races out of revulsion for Hitler and the Nazis. He wins three yellow medals that represent his triumph of beating the Nazis at this battle: “Things like Rudy on a dais with three …show more content…
Black represents Nazism, the swastika, and the troublesome times people withstand during WWII. In order to break up these repugnant sentiments, Zusak uses yellow to add a sense of hope for the characters. Hope gives them assertion and optimism that everything will be okay. Finally, silver is the color of calmness. Silver lets the characters relax and gives them an invulnerable attitude which is needed during times like WWII. These three colors make several appearances in the book to add semblance to the characters’ lives. Hitler has an overwhelming impact on German citizens. Zusak uses both yellow and silver to equilibrate the black. It takes a lot of hope and sense of security in order to defeat Hitler and the Nazis. Color is a major component in The Book Thief. Zusak uses color not as a description of an object but as an emotion. We can see how colors look with our eyes, but we can also feel colors and discover what they signify through different people, events, and ourselves. Taking a cue from this novel, perhaps the main takeaway should be this: please, see color. Zusak implores the reader over and over to engage in this lifelong quest, but as we peer from over the pages of the novel into our world, we only see an occasional shade of
Color- the property possessed by an object that produces different sensations on the eye as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light (Dictionary.com). In today’s society, we tend to disregard colors that are unappealing. We always go straight for the pretty blues or the elegant purples. As we come across colors that are dreary or as we refer some as “ugly”, we turn away and ignore them. Even though they might not be the most attractive exterior color, their inner meanings are much more powerful. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, takes place during World War II in Molching, Germany. On Himmel Street, the sky and characters are submerged in an array of both vibrant and subdued colors. The emotions and experiences …show more content…
Zusak includes yellow to create an optimistic effect during this dark time. Yellow is the color of the sun. The sun is the center of aspiration and light. The sun gives the characters a sense of certainty and an idealistic prospect. Zusak demonstrates this by metaphorically describing the characters’ journey to hope: “It was a Monday and they walked on a tightrope to the sun.” (249). As we know walking a tightrope is very strenuous. Trying to balance both feet on narrow rope in the air is not an effortless task. Similarly, trying to escape the wrath of Hitler and his chaotic uproars is not an easy thing to overcome. If that is not arduous enough, finding the light at the end of the tunnel or the sun at the end of the tightrope is another journey to conquer. Furthermore, in Nazi Germany Aryans are secure because of their looks. A Hitler youth, Rudy Steiner, is struggling to grasp onto the concept that his looks are what keeps him safe. As his dad tries to explain it, “You've got beautiful blond hair and big safe blue eyes. You should be happy with that; is that clear?” (Zusak 61). Rudy is a kid full of joy and jubilance who soon develops a hate for Hitler. While running at a Nazi Youth track meet, Rudy races out of revulsion for Hitler and the Nazis. He wins three yellow medals that represent his triumph of beating the Nazis at this battle: “Things like Rudy on a dais with three …show more content…
Black represents Nazism, the swastika, and the troublesome times people withstand during WWII. In order to break up these repugnant sentiments, Zusak uses yellow to add a sense of hope for the characters. Hope gives them assertion and optimism that everything will be okay. Finally, silver is the color of calmness. Silver lets the characters relax and gives them an invulnerable attitude which is needed during times like WWII. These three colors make several appearances in the book to add semblance to the characters’ lives. Hitler has an overwhelming impact on German citizens. Zusak uses both yellow and silver to equilibrate the black. It takes a lot of hope and sense of security in order to defeat Hitler and the Nazis. Color is a major component in The Book Thief. Zusak uses color not as a description of an object but as an emotion. We can see how colors look with our eyes, but we can also feel colors and discover what they signify through different people, events, and ourselves. Taking a cue from this novel, perhaps the main takeaway should be this: please, see color. Zusak implores the reader over and over to engage in this lifelong quest, but as we peer from over the pages of the novel into our world, we only see an occasional shade of