Words, by definition, are the spoken or written group of sounds and letters to convey a certain meaning. However, though often neglected by society, words contain great power. The novel, The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak, takes place in the quaint suburban town of Molching, near current-day Munich, on Himmel Street. The novel tells the tale of foster child Liesel Meminger, the book thief, and her experiences and adventures on Himmel as she adjusts into her new home during World War II. Over the course of the novel, time and time again, the power of words is shown to the readers, whether it may be a small sliver of the spoken word, or a word that would change humanity. Nevertheless, the power of words is a frequent theme within The Book
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One reason people may think that when Ilsa Hermann gives the little black book to Liesel is the most influential example of the power of words is because of this statement shown in the text, stating, “‘I thought if you’re not going to read any more of my books, you might like to write one instead.’” (Zusak 523) Ilsa Hermann’s passing on of the little black book to Liesel, in which she writes her life’s story is which many believe to be very influential in the story, as on the night of the Himmel Bombing, Liesel is writing in the book down in the basement, meaning that the book’s existence, and Ilsa Hermann passing on the book to Liesel is her savior, and not the event in which Papa encourages Liesel to learn to read and write. However, though this counter argument proves key point in fault of the power of words that I believe to be the most important, these points are one dimensional, as they do not put the power of words into context. After reading this excerpt from the text, I truly believe that my power of words is the most influential, as the author states, “‘Actually, I have a better idea.’... ‘Let’s start from scratch.’” (Zusak 67) Papa’s encouragement was the start of Liesel’s love to read, and write, and it led up to Ilsa Hermann giving the little black book to Liesel. Without this power of words in the book, Liesel would have never gained the many experiences on Himmel Street, such as gaining the little black book that saved her life, as her love of reading and writing, gained by this power of words, never
One reason people may think that when Ilsa Hermann gives the little black book to Liesel is the most influential example of the power of words is because of this statement shown in the text, stating, “‘I thought if you’re not going to read any more of my books, you might like to write one instead.’” (Zusak 523) Ilsa Hermann’s passing on of the little black book to Liesel, in which she writes her life’s story is which many believe to be very influential in the story, as on the night of the Himmel Bombing, Liesel is writing in the book down in the basement, meaning that the book’s existence, and Ilsa Hermann passing on the book to Liesel is her savior, and not the event in which Papa encourages Liesel to learn to read and write. However, though this counter argument proves key point in fault of the power of words that I believe to be the most important, these points are one dimensional, as they do not put the power of words into context. After reading this excerpt from the text, I truly believe that my power of words is the most influential, as the author states, “‘Actually, I have a better idea.’... ‘Let’s start from scratch.’” (Zusak 67) Papa’s encouragement was the start of Liesel’s love to read, and write, and it led up to Ilsa Hermann giving the little black book to Liesel. Without this power of words in the book, Liesel would have never gained the many experiences on Himmel Street, such as gaining the little black book that saved her life, as her love of reading and writing, gained by this power of words, never