At the start of her story, Liesel is illiterate. However, as the story progresses, she understands that there is great power in words which is the root of Hitler's propaganda, especially in the way Hitler uses words to encourage the German people to carry out horrific acts of violence and cause so much suffering. Ultimately, Liesel learns the power of words to influence humans and the brutality of humanity. She soon realizes that these same words are responsible for taking her mother and her brother away, for Max's having to hide in the basement, and that most everyone in her life has experienced loss and pain. Death describes her as a "perpetual survivor," and Liesel survives Hitler's reign while many of those whom she loves perish as a result
