Speech is an essential aspect of human society and culture. Words can motivate action or produce emotions in human beings. The concept of the power of words is explored and uncovered through the life story of Liesel Meminger. In Markus Zusak’s novel The Book Thief, the protagonist comes to know the importance of words and the way language impacts herself and others. However, these ideas are not clarified until the pivotal moment when Liesel calms a room full of terrified people by simply reading one of her books. When Liesel reads to her neighbors in the basement, she fully comprehends the influence words posses. This realization signifies the peak of her development as an individual who is searching for her voice in a suppressing society.
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By way of fear, one can run from a small insect or take over a country. Capitalizing on the fears of others, is a tactic that is seen all too often in history, including Nazi Germany. On the other hand, appeasing worries, especially that of a large group of people, is skill that few have. In a basement bomb shelter, Liesel discovers that she is one of the few. In a time of discomposure and trepidation, Liesel chose to do what she did best. She chose to execute what she had been practicing for many nights in a cold basement. Liesel chose to read. As the narrator describes, “She could feel their frightened eyes hanging on to her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out. Liesel read on” (381). Liesel replaced the noise of the crowded basement with ease and eloquence that came from her book. The tact and the vocabulary that she previously lacked, was more present than ever. Liesel felt sure of herself. Considering all of this, it is clear to see that it was during this instance that Liesel reached the height of her development. After the basement, Liesel 's journey winds down. She receives two very important books that enforced what she had come to already know. The first book, The Word Shaker, illustrated how the power of words could be used negatively. The Word Shaker shows a unique comparison between Hitler and Liesel. Although they both have a way with words, Liesel uses her gifts to help those close to her while Hitler used his as a weapon to get political power and achieve his own evil agenda. Max’s story served as a reminder to Liesel to use her words to benefit others, not for destruction. In addition, it was an empowering piece. It exemplified how although Liesel was living in an oppressing time, the knowledge she had could give her all the strength she needed. The motivation from the first book allowed for Liesel to complete the second. The second book she received was more than just a
By way of fear, one can run from a small insect or take over a country. Capitalizing on the fears of others, is a tactic that is seen all too often in history, including Nazi Germany. On the other hand, appeasing worries, especially that of a large group of people, is skill that few have. In a basement bomb shelter, Liesel discovers that she is one of the few. In a time of discomposure and trepidation, Liesel chose to do what she did best. She chose to execute what she had been practicing for many nights in a cold basement. Liesel chose to read. As the narrator describes, “She could feel their frightened eyes hanging on to her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out. Liesel read on” (381). Liesel replaced the noise of the crowded basement with ease and eloquence that came from her book. The tact and the vocabulary that she previously lacked, was more present than ever. Liesel felt sure of herself. Considering all of this, it is clear to see that it was during this instance that Liesel reached the height of her development. After the basement, Liesel 's journey winds down. She receives two very important books that enforced what she had come to already know. The first book, The Word Shaker, illustrated how the power of words could be used negatively. The Word Shaker shows a unique comparison between Hitler and Liesel. Although they both have a way with words, Liesel uses her gifts to help those close to her while Hitler used his as a weapon to get political power and achieve his own evil agenda. Max’s story served as a reminder to Liesel to use her words to benefit others, not for destruction. In addition, it was an empowering piece. It exemplified how although Liesel was living in an oppressing time, the knowledge she had could give her all the strength she needed. The motivation from the first book allowed for Liesel to complete the second. The second book she received was more than just a