“The Book Thief” has broadened my understanding of the way that historical fiction can be used to create a sense of realism to historical events, notably through Mark Zusak’s creation of realistic characters that effectively portray what it was like to live in Nazi Germany during the second World War. This has been achieved through Mark Zusak’s successful incorporation of various literary techniques throughout the book. A number of these literary devices will be elaborated in this essay.
One of the more striking techniques employed by Mark Zusak in “The Book Thief” is personification where he effectively uses Death as the narrator of the book, and creates a Humanised concept of Death. Death has been uniquely personified to display human emotions, …show more content…
Symbolism is used throughout “The Book Thief” as a way to represent the situation of World War II in Nazi Germany. Mark Zusak uses books, an accordion, and bread as symbols to represent the conformity or defiance of each character in “The Book Thief.” Quote: "In fact, on April 20 – the Furher’s birthday – when she snatched that book from beneath the steaming heap of ashes, Liesel was a girl made out of darkness." (Page 84). When Liesel steals the book from the fire, books are turned into the symbol of thievery and defiance against the Nazi Party and Hitler. Another symbol, the Accordion; is a symbol for Hans Hubermann’s relationship with Max, The Jewish man he hid from the Nazis. The accordion also symbolises how Hans doesn’t conform to Nazi beliefs and additionally it displays his humanity for all. Quote: "In November 1940, when Max Vandenburg arrived in the kitchen of 33 Himmel Street, he was twenty-four years old. His clothes seemed to weigh him down, and his tiredness was such that an itch could break him in two. He stood shaking and shaken in the doorway. ‘Do you still play the accordion?’ Of course, the question was really, 'Will you still help me?’”. (Page 85). By including Symbolism in his novel, Mark Zusak created a book full of meaning and emotion and depth useful to understanding the experiences of people in Germany during the second World …show more content…
Foreshadowing is used by Death in “The Book Thief” to add dramatic tension to the book, by building anticipation about future events. Mark Zusak uses Death to provoke suspense or additionally add information, that makes the story more convincing, and subsequently adds credibility to the experiences unfolding throughout the book. An Example of how Mark Zusak used foreshadowing in “The Book Thief” is where Death alludes to the death of Rudy. Quote:“ A Small Announcement about Rudy Steiner- He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” (Page 241). The foreshadowing in this quote is clear, since its implying that Rudy is going to die. By using this quote, Mark Zusak provokes suspense into the story, which in turn add authentic and setting into the
One of the more striking techniques employed by Mark Zusak in “The Book Thief” is personification where he effectively uses Death as the narrator of the book, and creates a Humanised concept of Death. Death has been uniquely personified to display human emotions, …show more content…
Symbolism is used throughout “The Book Thief” as a way to represent the situation of World War II in Nazi Germany. Mark Zusak uses books, an accordion, and bread as symbols to represent the conformity or defiance of each character in “The Book Thief.” Quote: "In fact, on April 20 – the Furher’s birthday – when she snatched that book from beneath the steaming heap of ashes, Liesel was a girl made out of darkness." (Page 84). When Liesel steals the book from the fire, books are turned into the symbol of thievery and defiance against the Nazi Party and Hitler. Another symbol, the Accordion; is a symbol for Hans Hubermann’s relationship with Max, The Jewish man he hid from the Nazis. The accordion also symbolises how Hans doesn’t conform to Nazi beliefs and additionally it displays his humanity for all. Quote: "In November 1940, when Max Vandenburg arrived in the kitchen of 33 Himmel Street, he was twenty-four years old. His clothes seemed to weigh him down, and his tiredness was such that an itch could break him in two. He stood shaking and shaken in the doorway. ‘Do you still play the accordion?’ Of course, the question was really, 'Will you still help me?’”. (Page 85). By including Symbolism in his novel, Mark Zusak created a book full of meaning and emotion and depth useful to understanding the experiences of people in Germany during the second World …show more content…
Foreshadowing is used by Death in “The Book Thief” to add dramatic tension to the book, by building anticipation about future events. Mark Zusak uses Death to provoke suspense or additionally add information, that makes the story more convincing, and subsequently adds credibility to the experiences unfolding throughout the book. An Example of how Mark Zusak used foreshadowing in “The Book Thief” is where Death alludes to the death of Rudy. Quote:“ A Small Announcement about Rudy Steiner- He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” (Page 241). The foreshadowing in this quote is clear, since its implying that Rudy is going to die. By using this quote, Mark Zusak provokes suspense into the story, which in turn add authentic and setting into the