The Book Thief Change Essay

Change occurs in many different forms, and encounters every aspect of life. People try to avoid it, but, change is inevitable. Some people look forward to change, while others like to stay the same, however, change could be carried out in many diverse ways, and this is shown through The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The Book Thief is a story narrated by Death; it takes place in Munich, Germany during World War 2. The book consists of a German girl named Liesel Meminger who is left alone by her mother, and is put with foster parents; she comes across something she can’t resist-books, thereon after, Liesel experiences many calamities. As a result of tragic experiences, Liesel not only changes as a person, her perspective of the world revolves, …show more content…
However, life experiences triggers maturity, similarly, Liesel develops as a woman after her horrific past. As the novel progresses, the readers observe Liesel Meminger growing from an innocent child to a grown, young lady. For instance, losing someone important has a big impact on one’s life, especially a child’s. When Liesel lost her brother, she had vivid nightmares everyday about his loss, but, near the end of the book, she progresses from the everyday nightmares and moves on to handle her own dreams. As it’s said in the book, “The only thing that changed was that Liesel told her papa that she should be old enough now to cope on her own with the dreams” (220). One can tell that Liesel takes a big step by accepting her brother’s loss as a part of life. Liesel observed a lot of devastation in her 9-15 years of life, enough to change her perspective on it. Being able to move on and willing to see reality as it is, is a perfect example for Liesel developing into a mature person. Not only that, it is made evident that Liesel matures with this quote, “Rosa released her, and for comfort, to shut out the din of the basement, Liesel opened one of her books and began to read. The book on top of the pile was The Whistler and she spoke it aloud to help her concentrate. The opening paragraph was numb in her ears.” (381). Nevertheless, with a young …show more content…
When Liesel lost her brother, it changed her life drastically. Having met Max, she treats him like the brother she couldn’t have. Max taught her how to love again; he helped her through hard times and was supportive. By giving presents and reading to Max, it had emphasized their sibling-like relationship, it showed Liesel’s refusal to give up on him. Nonetheless, the fact that she managed to get him small presents without money was a very loving and caring act. On the other hand, Liesel not only demonstrates the love she has for Max, it is evident she starts to care for Rudy. Liesel and Rudy have an interesting relationship, behind the cuss words is their love and care they have for each other. It is made visible Liesel develops a character trait in the following quotation, “The others ran. Liesel arrived and started pulling at the fabric of his pants. Rudy’s eyes were opened wide with fear. ‘Quick’ he said, ‘he’s coming.’ Far off, they could still hear the sound deserting feet when an extra hand grabbed the wire and reefed it away from Rudy Steiner’s pants.” (165). This quote shows that Liesel cares for Rudy, and will not leave him behind like the other individuals. Throughout the story, Liesel doesn’t give Rudy a kiss, but the “kiss” is shown in many different ways, like saving him from the fence. As of past experience, Liesel was abandoned by her own mother, per say, she