Figurative Language In The Book Thief

It is not unusual in literature to become so enamored with details, that the connotative meaning becomes lost in the writing. Because of this, it is imperative for details of figurative and descriptive language to be incorporated and to further enhance a narrative, as it provides the reader with a more intimate perspective and relationship with the characters. This idea as well as the imperative concept of symbolism is of most importance in The Book Thief. This narrative is so incredibly diverse in its morals, implications, and messages, that it is both crucial and due to the author that one deciphers the various intentions of the narrative. Author Markus Zusak can be accounted with some of the most complex descriptive and figurative language …show more content…
One of the most significant contributions to the mental-visual complexity of The Book Thief is in word choice. Through the use of figurative and descriptive language the reader witnesses an entirely different story. The character’s thoughts and actions are exemplified through metaphors and personification that one might make in his or her own head in real time. In literature it is common to overlook details one might experience in his/her own head, as individual readers make different connections to different elements that may not make sense to others. Through such descriptive and impactful language and imagery, the reader feels as though he is experiencing the story in his own life and comprehending things as they happen in his own mind. Just as important as they are in the structure and literature of the book, words find a profound meaning in the narrative itself. As Liesel learns to read and becomes increasingly fascinated with words, she gains more of an understanding of how her life has unfolded the way it has and how the power of words themselves have led her to where she is. “Liesel has only started to learn how to read at the age of nine which places her at a disadvantage in her journey of finding her story. Because she was illiterate, Liesel was unable to thoroughly comprehend the state of her personal life, as well as the broken nation around her” (Adams 1). However, this point of view is largely limited as Liesel’s lack of knowledge and educational studies have provided her with a small view of the world. Because she lacked scholastic abilities, Liesel was able to understand her life as it came to her, not how it should make sense. When she eventually learns to read at the striking age of nine, Liesel comes to the realization of the impact words have on her life. As a child in Nazi Germany and even a Hitler Youth, Liesel experiences the power of words in the harshest ways. Although she initially does not fully understand the