Monday, June 9, 2008
Book Thief--Power of Words
The novel works to show that words are power. Discuss the various ways that Zusak presents this idea. Discuss who possesses this power, how one acquires and loses it, what its manifestations are, how it affects individuals and groups. Can a person refuse the power of words--either to use them or be affected by them? How are words used to escape, influence, persuade, inform?
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When Liesel takes The Grave Digger's Handbook she begins to realize the power words have. Words have power even when they are not spoken. The book represents the last memories of her mother and brother. She doesn't have to read the book, Liesel knows the memories its words contain. Another example includes Hans Hubermann. Liesel has nightmares of her brother's death every night but "Hans Hubermann would always appear midscream, and he would not leave" (37). He doesn't need to say anything because his power is through silence.
When Hans Hubermann helps Liesel learn how to read it helps her fit in. At school she is the center of attention because she cannot read well and is surrounded by younger children. Mr. Hubermann sinks to Liesel's level to teach her words from scratch. He hands over the power of words by teaching her which makes Liesel feel as if "she was the only one there, and she was not gigantic" (67). She is not being taunted by the power of other children's words; instead she is being given the power by Hans Hubermann. Recieving words from her Papa helps her move up to her own grade level.
The power of words is shown as Liesel learns to read them. She seems to become more powerful with every new word she learns. Like Marisa said, "At school she is the center of attention because she cannot read well and is surrounded by younger children." As she learns new words and can read better, Liesel moves up to her own grade level and essentially has more power.
When Max Vandenburg shows up at 33 Himmel Street, he is carrying a book. Once Liesel gets the courage to talk to him, she asks him if the book is good. He replies with ,"'It's the best book ever.' Looking at Papa, then back at the girl. 'It saved my life.'"(217) Words had the power to save a life and it was just because they were the right words. Had he been carrying a jewish book, he would have been taken away immediately. He used the power of words to his advantage.
Liesel also discovered the power that words have in saving a life. When she recieved the little black book to write her story in, she began writing immediately. Right as she was finishing writing, she was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. Her life was saved by the power of words to draw in and enhance.
The first book Liesel took was "The Grave Digger's Handbook". In a way, the book showed Liesel hope after her brother had died on the train. "The book represents the last memories of her mother and her brother" as marisa said, and it didn't matter that she couldn't read, the book in itself was power enough.
During the time period of Liesel's life, Adolf Hitler was in power. Hitler used the power of words to influence people, and he used that power for evil. But Liesel used words for good. Liesel read to Max, the Jew, to make him well again "The first few days she sat and talked with him." (317). Perhaps her talking to him revived him. When the raids began, Liesel used the power of words to calm and comfort the other people in the bomb shelter. She would often times get through one chapter or more and the voices were all hushed. The power of Liesel's words were strong enough to silence, but soft enough to comfort.
Without even reading the book one can infer the power words have in this novel. It was written about a period of time where words were the path to power and to death. Adolf Hitler, as mentioned by Holly H P, was a very dominant figure at this time. He already made his rise to power and became Chancellor over Germany in 1933. He did this largely with the power and influence of words. Hitler gave powerful speeches that hid his true motives and desires and left the audiences he spoke to captivated and oblivious to his ill intentions. Some people recognized this and were exposed to the evil he truly had planned for the world, but for many others, this was not revealed until midway through the war, or even until it was over. This just shows that the power of words, even when used for evil, is an incredibe power.
As many of you have mentioned, this power is seen very much in "The Grave Digger's Handbook," but I believe it is seen even earlier. The first dominant impression is in the Prologue on page 13 when Liesel is "dying for it-the safety of it, the home of it." The "it" stated here refers to Liesel's desire to "write, or to read through her story one last time." Here word's power seems almost like it's calling to Liesel, as if she can't deny to give it more play. Even in the midst of being bombed, she has the desire to read. All that is holding her back is her inability to move, and the fact that the basement "didn't even exist anymore" (13). This eerie sort of power words possess over the people who use them is seen again only a page after when Death is "compelled" to grab the book from the garbage truck. Death then falls slave to the book and can't help but "view it several thousand times over the years" (14). With Death itself bowing to the printed word, it is seen quite early in the novel how tremendous word's power truly is.
I think that one of the ways that Zusak presents the idea of the power of words is through the words held within the ***-***. They are often the most revealing passages. I agree with what alex said about the power in the prologue, and I also agree with monica when she said that, "Liesel becomes more powerful with every new word she learns."
The "Standover Man" has very powerful words. He often reveals them in colors, he sets the mood. "A color will be perched on my shoulder." (4) On pages 3-5 he tells you how he sees things. "First the colors. Then the humans. That's usually how I see things. Or at least, how I try." (3) When you continue to read he assigns a mood with a color. For example, in the first paragraph on page 12 he says how the sky was red. Red being anger, hate, war. Then on page 14 it says,"***The Colors*** RED: WHITE: BLACK:" The symbols when combined create the nazi swastika. He doesn't tell you what he means, he wants you to figure it out for yourself. "The question is, what color will everything be at that moment when I come for you? What will the sky be saying?" (4)
Zusak presents the idea of words are power by showing how they could be used by people who disire them the most. Who want to learn about them and how to use them. Such as Liesel whoses journey of learning this consept when she first stole The Grave Digger's Handbook. This is when she learns everything she now knows. Liesel and Max Vandenburg both have the power of words inside of them because the know how to use them the best. Both Max and Liesel have acquired the power by loseing or leaving someone and experiseing the power of wanting them back or remembering them. They might lose it if they give up on anything reading, writing, or living. If someone refuses not to use the power of words that will affect them by the fact the will never feel how Liesel and Max did, which could be a good thing or bad thing.
I believe Markus Zusak's use of a female as the main character promotes the females in WWI and WWII. Because Liesel finds the power of words through the books she steals, this use of females and literature can be connected to the women writers of both wars. In the article "Women Writers and the Lives of Soldiers in WWI", James Martin states, "Much of what we know about the horrors of conditions during The Great War comes from women writers and nurses who worked in the field hospitals." Female authors conveyed their stories through books like Liesel does in the journal given to her by the mayor's wife.
People have discovered the harshness and brutality that happens during war by reading the words of female authors like Edith Wharton. Writing gave women power, the power to give people insight into war. In The Book Thief, Liesel writes her life and experiences in the journal which is read by Death. In a way, Liesel becomes a female author of WWII and can be connected to other female authors.
Martin, James. "Women Writers and the Lives of Soldiers in WWI: Chronicling the Great War." http://goeurope.about.com/cs/belguim/a/trench_death_2.htm. 8 Sep 2003.
Markus zusak shows the impact of words or the power of words when Ilsa Hermann tells her sorrowful tale of her brother's death to Liesel. After the story Liesel,"pitied the mayor's wife for quite a while"(147. Before hearing this though, Liesel had just thought Ilsa was mute and from what I cuould tell she didn't even care.
Like just about every other blogger, I too believe that with every word Liesel learns, she gains more power. This new power of knowledge allows her to read at the same level as the children her age do. Because of the impact Hans has put upon her, his powerful lesson teaches her that reading is an important part in everyone's education. Liesel's will to read hightens this lesson greatly.
I agree with Marisa L's first post when she says, "Words have power even when they are not spoken." Like Marisa said, Hans Hubermann's presence is all Liesel needs to calm her down from her nightmares. It calms her just to know that he is there for her and cares for her when she feels no one else does. His power is not through his words, but through his absense of words.
Even though Hans Hubermann has power without using words, he gives Liesel the power of words by teaching her how to read and write. He helps her move up to the her own grade. And perhaps if Hans had not taught her how to read, then she could not have read to Max while he was dying. Liesel may have helped him recover through the power of the words she read to Max and gave him the will to live.
Max also had a very strong power with words because he was able to express his love and friendship towards Liesel through "The Standover" man and the "Word Shaker". His words seemed to influence Liesel a lot after he left. It gave her the strenght to continue reading in the bomb shelters, to read to Frau Holtzapfel, a long time enemy of Rosa Hubermann, and it gave her the strength to write her own life's story in her basement, which also saved her life.
“*** A SMALL ADDITION ***
The word communist + a large bonfire + a collection of dead letters + the suffering of her mother + the death of her brother = the Fuhrer” (115).
I found this passage very interesting, and it shed a little light on the whole “words are power” idea that the novel works to show.
The Fuhrer was obviously the ultimate power in Germany at the time. So when I read this passage, something clicked. The WORD communist + a large bonfire (to attempt to take words, also power, permanently from the people) + a collection of dead letters + the suffering of her mother (physical power over people) + the death of her brother (an event that has power over Liesel’s memory) = The Fuhrer (power.)
Also, since words were all that could be used to fight the Nazis, the Nazis were attempting to destroy the power that words had by burning books.
And, since Liesel is angry and “hate[s] the Fuhrer” (page115), she rebels against the little book burning session they were having in the street and steals a book – steals a little bit of power back from the Fuhrer.
Olivia came up with a really interesting analysis of that passage that clearly shows the power of words. She says that by stealing a book from the fire, Liesel is taking a little bit of the Fuhrer's power. I totally agree. He only has people following him because of what he says and if a bunch of people come out saying other things, they could steal his followers. Words are what keep Hitler in power and words are what can kick him out. The people obviously strongly follow his words, however, because if they didn't, why would they willingly bring their books to burn? Hitler has created such a fear through his words that no one is willing to stand up with their own unique thoughts that may go against his. The power of words create a fear and an obedience which is hard to beat.
I also agree with Monica W and Olivia B about the fact that when Liesel steals a book from the book burning, she is stealing a bit of power back.
Hitler went through with the book burning in WWII so he could get rid of ideas that did not match his own, therefore making him more powerful because people could not read about other ideas.
An article, The Burning of the Books by Alison O'Leary states that, "The goal of the burning of the books, according to The History Place, was to rid Germany of any book that contained “unGerman ideas” and, therefore, was unfit to read." (http://www.meredith.edu/stones/hitler--.htm)
Because of this Nazi book burning the education standard was lowered, therefore making words increasingly powerless if they were not German ideals.
It seems as though everyone on this post agrees that Hitler controlled great power over words. After all, he managed to take an entire people over and commit monstrous crimes right under their noses. Yet for me, I cannot help but wonder how so many people could become so totally brainwashed by one man's words. I think this is what this book is also exploring. I beleive that Hitler came to be so powerful through a combination of words and ignorance.
When Caitlyn R said that "Because of this Nazi book burning the education standard was lowered," she hit on exactly how I think so many people could follow such a terrible man. It was through their ignorance. In the book, Max analyzes this turning away from morality in his own book, and comes up with a very good metaphor. He describes how a mother, someone who is trusted and more educated, can control her sons behavior with just a few words, and how this boy will listen to her, for he has never known anything else (445).This scenario reminds me of the people of Germany. World War Two was a time of great poverty for Germany. These people had been suffering for a very long time, and were probably too poor to worry very much about an education. So, when Hitler came along with his words of hope and salvation, these ignorant and desperate people thought of him as their savior. They trusted him, and who would question someone they trust?
Hitler's power came from the fact that his people did not have knowledge or any power with words and in fact, any power they might have attained was burned in Hitler's honor. Perhaps if they, as Liesel the Word Shaker, Papa and Max, had "understood the true power of words" (445) then they too would have realized that the Jews being paraded down their streets were not monsters at all, but friends and lovers, mothers and daughters. People who might have one day touched their lives as Max had touched Liesel's. If they too could have grown a tree from knowledge that "A hundred and ninety-six soldiers could not make any impact on," (447) then maybe Hitler would not have doomed so many to such sorrow. This book explores the complicated realm of words and of knowledge, by showing how this power must be held by many, for if it is concentrated in one area, by one group of people, its power can bring hell.
To add on the what Holly H P said about Liesel's and the Gravedigger's handbook, the words held power over Liesel not because of there influence but because she didn't understand them. She couldn't read them. The inability to read is crippling. In the chapter ‘100 Percent German Sweat’ (page 108- 113) the book burning almost discourages reading by destroying books. Education is given thumbs down.
Hearing words without comprehending them is a dangerous weakness. On page 31 Liesel doesn’t recognize the word ‘Communist’. She is ignorant.
It’s this ignorance that helps Hitler strengthen his iron grip on the people of Germany. By the people not knowing what is going on, for example, in the concentration camps, he can sprinkle their ears with lies that they will gladly swallow.
While it is true that Hitler gained power by his words and persuading people to see his way, there was also force behind it. Edward Bulwer-Lytton said, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” But even mightier than that is the pen backed up by the sword. Hitler had the Nazi party to enforce his words and guarantee his power.
While I agree with Wendy P when she used Edward Bulwer-Lytton quote claiming, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”, I cant help but think that this book is trying to show that sometimes words can overcome even the most powerful force, for they affect your soul which is something no sword, gun, or whip can ever touch. Zusak portrays words ability to affect the deepest part in someone in both negative and positive light. When Liesel metaphorically pushes her dead brother down the stairs and lashes out at the mayor's wife, she is using words as an ultimate weapon. As death notes she is using "the brutality of words" by re opening the deepest wounds in this women, by saying out loud what haunts her every minute." . . . your son is dead. . . he got strangled and cut up more than twenty years ago!" (262). No knife could pierce this woman's heart deeper than those words.She was "battered and beaten up. . .all from the words" (263). Sometimes, as Zusak shows, there is nothing more painful than words if they speak an unbearable truth.
Besides proving that words can, in some cases, be the most damaging weapon, he also shows how they can lend hope and give people reason to live, even in the midst of pain. Liesel is also able to use words to this purpose. Towards the end, she sees Max who has been recaptured and is being paraded through Munich. His hair has turned back into twigs. He is defeated, and probably like so many others, longs for death. It is here that Liesel uses the true and good power of words. She simply says, "Is it from your cheek that I took the seed?" (512). With that Max knows that there is still someone in the world who loves him, who does not think he is swine. And even though his starved and devastated body is whipped, that whip cannot beat her words out of him, and he is thus able to "[hoist] himself upright" (514). He has reason to live.
So, although Hitler did become immensely powerful through his use of words and iron, Zusak is able to prove that due to words, a little insignificant girl and a condemned Jew were able to overcome his power, if just for a moment.
All of us wonder how one man (Hitler) could have such a powerful and terrible influence over such great numbers of people. We wonder at how his ideas and philosophies resulted in the deaths of 6 million Jews and other parties. Throughout all of mankind's life there have been people such as Hitler who have gained such power with their ability to persuade and deceive men. One modern-day example we can connect to is Saddam Hussein, who gained terrible followers through his desire for power and ability to use words persuasively.
So how can people be so open to such terrible philosophies? In times of trouble, people in a group look for someone to lead them, to make them happier and more powerful. The people in Germany noticed Hitler. He used forms of flattery to trick the people into believing his ideas, which could probably be described as a type of brainwashing.
"Soon, there was nothing but scraps of words littered between her legs and all around her. The words. Why did they have to exist? Without them, there wouldn't be any of this. Without words, the Fuhrer was nothing. There would be no limping prisoners, no need for consolation or wordly tricks to make us feel better." (521)
I paid special attention to the fact that "without words, the Fuhrer was nothing." This is to say that if Hitler could never communicate to the people in the first place, he would never have become such a powerful figure.
I used this example to apply to our own lives. We have to be careful of how we interpret what we hear and what we believe. Today's world has so much negative media that targets all people, especially youth. There is so much "flattery, deception, and persuasion" with words. We must be very cautious. I believe this idea could be a minor theme of THE BOOK THIEF.
I agree with Mary that Hitler was trying to “Brainwash” the Germans. Hitler uses the power of words to his advantage, but he is also threatened by other people’s words. On the Fuhrers birthday, the people of Germany come together for a book burning. They take all books that are against the word of the Fuhrer and destroy them. These books are viewed as a threat to the Third Reich. The words in the books scare Hitler because he knows that by reading those books people will see the Jews in a good way. Hitler’s plan was to erase this history. “We put an end to the disease that has been spread through Germany for the last 20years, if not more.”(pg 110)
Another way that the Fuhrer was threatened by the power of words was by people who disagreed with him. When Liesel find out that Hitler is responsible for taking away her mother, she says “I hate the Fuhrer.” (pg 116) Hans angrily responds with,””You can say that in our house,””But you never say it on the street, at school, at the BDM, never!””(pg117) Hans is scared because he knows the danger in those words. If she says those things in public she will be in a lot trouble. Hitler’s power would be threatened and he would make sure that she was punished. These words hold a lot of power, any words that threaten the Fuhrer are dangerous.
A lot of people are pointing out that without words, Hitler wouldn't ever have had power. He would never have been able to do any of the terrible things that he did, because no one would follow him. We say this like it applies only to bad rulers like Hitler and Suddam Hussein. However, while I was reading over these posts, I was thinking about the upcoming election. We decide which candidate we like based on their ideas, right? They convey their ideas through words. Everyone has to take advantage of the power of words at one point or another. Elected officials just use it more often so that they can ensure that they have followers. Hitler used his power in a bad way, but there was no way to tell in the beginning. All people use words to influence, so it's what they do with that influence that makes them good or bad people.
I find that the quote Mary c uses which states, ""without words, the Fuhrer was nothing," to be very interesting because if Hitler truly was "without words" than that would mean that he was missing an essential element of what makes us human. It is because our species developed language that we have managed to survive so long in this world. Language has been our weapon of choose, and has gotten us far. One can even say that it is what has given us life. Yet, ironically, as in Hitler's case and many others, it is also what has caused so much death. Words have been our savior and our destroyer, and I feel that Zusak also recognizes this.His character Max showed the paradox of words quite clearly in his Word Shaker story. He showed how Hitler was able to "rule the world with words" because of how he "cultivated," and " planted them day and night" (445). Hitler used words for the human races own demise. Liesel, however, used them as a way to make people remember why they ever wanted to live in the first place. She does this by wanting people to understand what she is saying to them, not by "[placing them] on a conveyor belt and . . . " (445) force feeding people words she beleives are true. Liesel knew how "powerless a person could be without words," (445) but more importantly she knew that to simply have words was not enough for one must understand them first. So while I realize that words can be dangerous, as this novel proves, I, as does Monica W, also beleive that since "people use words" the danger lies in us and in what we choose to do with them. Words themselves are not so powerful, we are where the power lies.
I found the perspective that Keeley B. used very interesting. She said, "Hitler uses the power of words to his advantage, but he is also threatened by other people's words." The example of the book burning conveys this statement perfectly.
Throughout Hitler's life, he was rejected by many people. Their words angered him and, through time and planning, he became the man he was during the Holocaust. I'm not saying the only thing that infulenced him were rejections from other people, but their words had definite "results" on him, demonstrating the power of words. We often talk only about the influence of Hitler on other people, but there was also the factor that played a part in how he became such a terrible leader.
Therefore, Hitler was not only an abuser of words, he was also threatened by them. Although, Hitler maybe took the rejections "overdramatically," this could be an example of how we should control what we say to other people because our words can influence them.
I agree with what Mary said about being sensitive about what you say.
Words have a bigger effect on people than we think. If something is repeated to you over and over again, eventually you will believe it. For example, if someone was calling you ‘stupid’ all the time, after awhile you would think that you were in fact stupid. Once you consider yourself stupid, you will live up to that expectation.
I also like Mira W F’s comment, “…danger lies in us and in what we choose to do with them. Words themselves are not so powerful, we are where the power lies.” We must choose our words carefully and try not to be misunderstood. It is easy to offend or give off the wrong idea when dealing with others. Words are dangerous.
There’s a song, that’s name escapes me, that goes, “Words can use you,
words can make you blind.” These lyrics are only true if the person decides to use the words in that way.
Words can be used to help someone or break them down. Above Auschwitz is the statement “Work shall set you free.” This deceptive sentence probably made some entering the camp hopeful that if they just worked they would be able to leave. For others they probably thought how ironic it was. As if they would ever be set free.
Words hold a power over the mind that can either crush a person or lift them up depending on how they are used.
In this discussion, it seems as though the power of words has mostly been derived as dangerous and dark and that words can be used to hurt people and do terrible things. Although I agree with this completely and think that words, if used a certain way, can be extremely detrimental, I think that the positive effect of words is even more powerful in its healing and uplifting aspects. Like Mira W says when Liesel uses the “good power of words,” “Max knows that there is still someone in the world who loves him,” showing the positive effects that words are able to have on a person. This shows how the meaning of words can be uplifting, but Zusak shows us that just the sound of words alone and the stories built from words have a miraculous effect on people during the night of September 19th when many families gathered in the Fiedlers’ basement in complete fear and chaos. Zusak says, “She didn’t dare to look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes hanging onto her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out” (381). Although Liesel’s reading was a mere distraction in the basement, the sound of the words and the story being formed was enough to create a somewhat serene couple of moments, soothing people’s nerves during the frightening time. Liesel was able to acquire the power of words for that short period of time. But that short time was all that was necessary in helping people to stay calm in a scary situation.
Grace H. makes an excellent point about the good power of words, as compared to their bad effects. She states that the “positive effect of words is even more powerful in its healing and uplifting aspects.” Many people have discussed Hitler and his power on the country of Germany through words. While in the long run this power became problematic, he initially brought a starving and helpless country to its feet after a terrible depression and trying war. His powerful words proved their goodness in this manner. In the same way, the powerful words in The Book Thief slowly bring Liesel away from her grief about her brother and mother. These words give her an education and ultimately save her life. Most of all, they provide comfort after she experiences countless nightmares. Truly, the words provide a good and crucial role in Liesel’s life.
People often say that hurtful words shouldn’t be allowed to affect someone. The old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is the elementary way of saying this. Yet Zusak details the way that words can truly be powerful enough to hurt someone. When Liesel reads to the class for the first time, it becomes a near disaster. Her classmates tease her to the point where “she snapped” (78). Their words lead to a moment where “they were watching Liesel Meminger give Ludwig Schmeikl the hiding of a lifetime” (79). Words can have incredible power on a person, even in a small situation such as this.
Hello this is Jessica B. My username didn't change from last year so its been having a W instead of an F. I am in Friesen's class next year. I fixed the username so the rest of my posts will have an F. Hope it wasn't too confusing, sorry!
Many people say stuff like “sticks and stones” or they are just words or anything along the lines of that, but I tell you what, I would rather get punched in the face then have a bad rumor about me going around school. At least with the pain from the punch would go away after time, but those rumors, those poisonous hateful word, they will scar you for life. No one would look at you the same. You could easily become an outcast and that can hurt the most. Every person has the power to use words against a single person or group, the power to ruin someone’s life just by saying some words about them. On the other hand though words can be used to enhance someone’s life. They could make the person popular or cool. Words can be used for good or evil. It all comes down to who speaks them and how they are used. Hitler used words for his own evils, which Jessica B F (formerly known as Jessica B W) briefly elaborated on fantastically.
Knowledge is power. I live my life by this saying. In high school, all the “powerful” kids are usually the strong athletic type. Think about this though. The smart kids, the ones with knowledge, with words, they will control the world in the future. Hitler was not some professional body builder or star athlete. He was a genius, with words. He controlled a whole country because he knew how to take these words and turn them into amazingly influential sentences, which formed speeches, which persuaded people to believe in what he wanted them to believe in. He had the knowledge of words, so he had the power.
I found what Branden H P said very interesting and true. I had never thought of it this way before:
"In high school, all the 'powerful' kids are usually the strong athletic type. Think about this though. The smart kids, the ones with knowledge, with words, they will control the world in the future. Hitler was not some professional body builder or star athlete. He was a genius, with words. He controlled a whole country because he knew how to take these words and turn them into amazingly influential sentences, which formed speeches, which persuaded people to believe in what he wanted them to believe in. He had the knowledge of words, so he had the power." (Branden H P)
Many people, especially in their youth, think in opposite directions of the quote above. At school, usually athletes are more popular; they give the school a good reputation. Therefore, many strive to become more like that, more popular.
We can apply the "power of words" to the presidential elections this year. These candidates chose to spend their time using words, and perhaps twisting them around in some situations, to please the people of the country and make them want to vote for them. They didn't choose to spend any significant amount of time in other activities. So they developed a talent with words and persuasion. They are now the leaders of our country. Because of their talents, the whole nation is now in the palm of their hands. The immense power that words have is a pretty scary thing to think about sometimes in situations like these.
I agree with Jessica b f when she says “that hurtful words shouldn’t be allowed to affect someone.” Another way besides what Jessica has already explained is where Liesel goes back to the mayor’s house seconds after being fired and screams at Isla Hermann. The way Zusak explains the next paragraph is as though the hateful words thrown at Isla has inflicted physical wounds. “Blood leaked from her nose and licked at her lips. Her eyes had blacked. Cuts had opened up and a series of wounds were rising to the surface of her skin. All from words. From Liesel’s words” (263). The last two sentences from this passage though showed that these wounds were not just physical but emotional as well. They showed how deep words can cut into someone. Though words can brighten someone’s day too; like Max and Liesel, they don’t have very deep conversations but Max gets more into life when he talks to Liesel than any other person. “It was when Liesel came down, however, that max found himself most interested in life again”(250). The things Liesel tells him about have the power to cheer him up. She has the power to cheer someone up or bring them down using her words.
I believe that Zusak uses words to represent thoughts and ideas in this book. I find this to be especially true to Part 2 of this book dealing with the burning of the books.
"Today is a beutiful day," he continued. "Not only is it our great leader's birthday- but we also stop our enemies once again. We stop them reaching into our minds..." (110)
In Nazi Germany the ideas of the fuhrer were forced on the people of Germany. Despite what they believed or thoughts they had beforehand they were all replaced by the ideals of the Nazi party. So when they go to burn books I believe Zusak is making a statement about how the Nazi's destroyed (or burned) thoughts opposing there opinion. They even burn works of art.
"…a small section of living material slipped from inside the ash… two posters advertising a Jewish Poet…”
as Marisa say's Liesel discorvers the power of words, it gives a person the freedom of personal opinoin and free-thinking. And in this book the Nazi's steal that power away from the people, by burning books and Liesel being "The Book Theif" is stealing those words and ideas back.
Just to briefly elaborate on Michael L P’s comments, while was reading his blog, about half way through I was thinking about how before Liesel began to expand her vocabulary, with assistance from her papa, she was never brave or bold. She was a total pushover. Words made her feel stronger, more willing to speak her mind. When she first started delivering laundry with her mama she was afraid to go to the door without her mama walking all the way up to the house with her. Then, she is not even afraid to go yell at someone alone. Knowledge of words helped her overcome her fear of confrontation.
A comment I would like to make about Stephen M W’s last paragraph is, well to start off I totally agree with all of it. Liesel, by stealing those books and words back, is separating herself from all the other people. All those people have had anything disagreeing with the Nazi party taken from them. All except Liesel. She is keeping her own opinions and beliefs. These opinions have her disliking Hitler. That and Hitler killed her family.
Words in The Book Thief affected the people of Munich. When Liesel learned to read and write she was intrigued. She learned that words, if used in the right way, could be applied in different situations.
The relief of words started to appear after every tormenting nightmare of Liesel’s brother’s death. She would awake, change her sheets, and then dive straight into one of her books with her papa. One location where words eased people in the most difficult of times was in the Fiedler’s basement. When Liesel read to the crammed people in the room during the air raid children stopped crying, and everyone stopped to pay attention to the words of The Whistler other than the thought of dying that night.
In a time of worry and sadness words can help to teach and explain things a little better. When Max left the Hubermanns, he left a book for Liesel. She wasn’t supposed to read it until she was ‘ready’. When her mama gave it to her she said, “I think you’ve always been ready, Liesel. From the moment you arrived here, clinging to the gate, you were meant to have this.”(443). The Word Shaker gave Liesel insight to what was really going on in the world. Max’s words had taught her about the Fuhrer and how to overcome his rein.
I agree with Branden H P when he says that words made her stronger in a way, and more willing to speak her mind. When Frau Hermann fired Rosa, Liesel turned around and walked back up to Ilsa’s door and told her off. The power of words could also bring a pathetic mourning woman to her feet. A short letter written by Liesel Meminger brought Frau Hermann out of the house and down to 33 Himmel Street to give a present to Liesel saying, “You certainly can write. You write well.” (523). She then handed her the book that Liesel would soon be writing her story The Book Thief in. That Book, those powerful words, even touched Death. So we can see that words can be used to relieve, to teach, and to strengthen.
The power of words in and of itself is a main theme in "The Book Theif". The book starts out with Liesel stealing "The Grave Diggers Handbook" even though Liesel does not know how to read at this point she still understands the power in the words and as a result she begins to persue learning how to read. This is what brings Liesel and Hans Hubermann together, Hans begins to help Leisel learn how to read even though he himself is not a great reader.
On another note i think that the word usage in this book is fantastic, as is the writing style. I Think that the way Zusak writes demands that you pay attention and not read passivly.
I disagree with Grace. She states that when Liesel steals the "Grave Digger's Handbook", "she still understands the power in the words and as a result she begins to persue learning how to read". It's not because of the power of words that Liesel's hands fell upon the book. It's the memory of her brother that lies within in it.
"* * * THE BOOK'S MEANING * * *
1. The last time she saw her brother.
2. The last time she saw her brother" (38).
I do agree though that the "Grave Digger's Handbook" brought Liesel and Hans Hubermann together. Liesel's nightmare filled night also helped the cause. Every night Papa would comfort her after her nightmares. It was only after Liesel's bed wetting incident that the book was discovered.
" * * * A 2A.M. CONVERSATION * * *
"Is this yours?"
"Yes, Papa."
"Do you want to read it?"
Again, "Yes, Papa."
A tired smile.
Metallic eyes, melting.
"Well, we'd better read it, then."(64)
Grace had a good point about the word usage as well. The descriptions of everything are awesome too!
I think Kassidy might have taken what Grace said wrong about when the “Grave Digger’s Handbook” was stolen. After I read Grace’s thoughts, I was under the impression she meant more like after Liesel picked up the book, she realized the power of words. She did not pick up the book because she knew the power of words. She picked I up to help remember the day, to help remember her brother. Then after reading she realized how empowering the knowledge of words is and she thrived for more. Plus, because of her lack of words she was put in a young kids class and was an outcast. She could not stand it. Only way out was to learn words. That is just what she did.
I also agree with both Kassidy and Grace on their thoughts of word choice and descriptions in the book. I have always had trouble reading. Not because I am illiterate, because I hate reading. I’m good at it but I don’t like to do it. This book though has pulled me in. I never wanted to set it down. I finished it in like a week, which is impressive for me. Even though it was a long book, there were no boring parts. I always wanted to keep going.
I think that Liesel believes very strongly in the power of words. On page 328 it says that “She gave The Dream Carrier to Max as if the words alone could nourish him”. She reads the book to him because she thinks that the more things she does for him the better he will get. I think that Liesel feels that the best thing she could do for him is read.
Like Branden, Grace, and Kassidy; I like the descriptiveness that Zusak puts into his writing. For example on page 322 he doesn’t simply say that the cloud drifted over a mountain; he says “late in February, she stood on Munich Street and watched a single giant cloud come over the hills like a monster. It climbed the mountains. The sun eclipsed, and in its place, a white beast with a grey heart watched the town”. To me Zusak puts words on every page that makes my imagination run.
I think the theme of the power of words goes beyond whats in the book. Everyone in this blog subject has just talked about the power of words in the book. But what about the affect of the words on you? Personally, this book has got me thinking about death more than anything. Right off the bat the words got me thinking.
* * * HERE IS A SMALL FACT * * *
You are going to die. (3)
Zusak's words are meant to get you to understand the meaning of Death and other things. The imagery is intriguing as well. Like Michael said about the cloud. It's not just a cloud, it's "a single giant cloud come over the hills like a monster"(322). It climbed over the mountain. The cloud turned into "a white beast with a grey heart"(322).
I totally agree with Michael thoughts about Liesel reading to Max. Whenever she was scared or anything her papa would read to her and she would feel better so she was hoping she could do the same for her dear friend. She thought the power of words could heal and nurture him back to health. Like Michael said, ‘the best thing she could do for him is read.” It was the only thing she knew how to do that could help. She’s no doctor.
And I, yet again, agree with Michael. My imagination is always going while reading this. The same quote about clouds, “late in February, she stood on Munich Street and watched a single giant cloud come over the hills like a monster. It climbed the mountains. The sun eclipsed, and in its place, a white beast with a grey heart watched the town.” This one sticks out a lot for me, among others. He thinks of ways to describe stuff that no one else does but everyone gets and understands.
I also am inclined to agree with Michael.
The fact that Liesel read to Max was sick, and to the people in the bomb shelter in the basement seems to give her more power and strength in situations she has no control over.
Also, the fact that Hans would sit up after Liesel had a nightmare and read to her and was helping her every day to get better at reading, making her feel more confident, not to mention helping her in school and not leaving her as the one everyone laughs at and calls stupid.
Words are a very strong component in the story. One person who wields the most power when it comes to words would definitely be Liesel. In the beginning of the book she could be labeled as powerless when it came to the knowledge of words. Yet as time progresses throughout the book she learns how to read and write. Between the midnight “classes” and actual classes at school she starts to slowly develop her skills.
In my opinion the first real test of the power of her words would be when she yells at Ilsa Hermann (262). In this section she cruelly throws her verbal abuse at Ilsa. Liesel makes sure to mention the fact that Ilsa son is dead and calls her pathetic for living how she does. You could see that after Liesel drove that “dagger” through Ilsa’s heart that she craved punishment (264). I think that she understood, at that moment, that words can be a very powerful weapon and when used wrong can cause some serious damage.
One of the questions posted at the top of this blog topic is “Can a person refuse the power of words --either to use them or be affected by them?” Referring to words, she asks in frustration, “Why did they have to exist?...Without words, the Fuhrer was nothing. There would be no limping prisoners, no need for consolation or wordly tricks to make us feel better. What good were the words?” (521) After realizing how evil the words of the Fuhrer truly are on page 521 and throughout the novel that “words can be a very powerful weapon” (Leah S), it seems as though Liesel attempts to refuse words altogether.
It is not possible for one to refuse the power of words. Words, in general, are such an essential part of life and of communication that it seems to be impossible to refuse words unless one is blind and deaf at the same time. Words, no matter how big or small seem to come along with their own power, indicated by tone, like some have stated previously, how a sentence is structured, and other various ways. Since the power is attached to words and words are mostly unavoidable, the “power of words” is unavoidable as well.
It is, however, possible for a person to refuse to use the power of words, but it is not possible to refuse to be affected by them. Any one person can control how he or she speaks – what specific words the person uses, how the person says them (tone, volume, body movement, etc. the person uses) – no matter what the situation may be. On the other hand, if certain words are being said to or even at a person, that person can not choose to not be affected by what is said. Sure, they might attempt to convince themselves that whatever was said does not have any meaning and they will simply forget what was said, but the power of words has a way of staying with us. For example, during the Jew parade where Liesel finds Max, Death narrates, “This time, she did not reach out – she stopped. Somewhere inside her were the souls of words. They climbed out and stood beside her” (511-512). She remembers the words from the story Max wrote her (The Word Shaker), and there she finds the strength to keep with him and keep his attention during the parade. She says, “There was once a strange, small man…but there was a word shaker too” (512). Liesel recites these words not only to give herself the courage needed to continue amongst the Nazi soldiers, but to provide the courage and strength for Max to stand up to the Fuhrer and be the “Jewish fist fighter” that he always was in the Hubermann’s basement (513). These words stuck with Liesel and proved to have a great affect on her. This affect was unavoidable and indeclinable.
In the book, Liesel understands the power of words even though she may not understand the words themselves. When she attempts to read before the class, Liesel dreams of read flawlessly (77). She grasps the concept that words will bring her glory if only she could read proficiently. When she is unable to read the words in the book, she recites a page from The Grave Digger’s Handbook. Most of the people in the room thought she was unintelligent, but that is not true. Death highlights a specific word—imagined—because he is saying that imagination and wit makes a person intelligent, though not necessarily educated.
Later in that chapter, Liesel gets in to a school-yard fight with a boy who taunted her for being, in his eyes, unintelligent (78). After she beats up two classmates, Liesel says three word, “‘I’m not stupid’“(79). She understands that some of the simplest words are the most powerful. Liesel may not have a good education, but she is probably the smartest girl in her class because she has imagination.
Words affect Liesel because she wants them to. It is like if she lets words influence her life, she will become more literate, which is what she wants. It is almost as if she sees words as a powerful god, they are to be feared but also revered and worshiped.
Grace H mentions the question at the beginning of this blog. I would like to elaborate on the other aspect of this question that had not yet been discussed, that being whether a person can refuse to use the power of words. The answer to this is quite simply: yes. It is difficult to ignore words and easy to be affected by them. But given the choice to use words, it is easy to decline. It is easy to simply keep your mouth closed or your pen capped, and keep those words inside. However, it is not often that one finds a person who makes such a choice. Powerful words can be used to your advantage, as we have discussed in the case of Hitler. Liesel discovers her words have tremendous power as the book progresses. She finds she can use these words for a cause much the opposite of Hitler’s and can better the lives of the people around her. She uses words to get her family and friends through the “real raid” (379-81). People have been given the choice of using words. They have found the question to be easy to refuse. And they have chosen to use their power anyways.
A few questions I have for fellow bloggers:
Are there ways in which using words can be harmful?
Did Zusak write this novel in such a way that the power of words is exemplified?
In response to Jessica's question, I do believe that words can be harmful. Over the years, people who have an uncanny ability to control others through words have been the masterminds behind massive campaigns against humanity. Hitler used words to turn ordinary citizens into hate-filled machines that despised Jewish people, whether or not they had ever actually met one. Around the same time as Hitler, Stalin used words in Russia to justify the genocide of millions of innocent people. The words uttered by these men have most definitly caused harm.
And I do believe that Zusak chose to exemplify the power of words in "The Book Thief". The use of promises and lies (more on this can be read at the blog on promises), propaganda, and public shows of unity generally push one or another aspect of the plot along. One such instance is the promise that Hans made to the family of Max that led up to Max's stay in the basement. Another instance is the sheer power that the phrase 'Heil Hitler' in the book. One cannot purchase goods from Frau Diller's shop unless a hearty "Heil Hitler" is said. And when around others when a "Heil" is demanded, ine must join in or risk suspiscion. There is no doubt that words are shown to have power, both evil and good.
I would also kike to elaborate on Grace’s question that Jessica touched up on. I do agree with Jessica to a point. I personally have never met anyone that can refuse the power of words. Everyone, no matters what, allows any words said to them affect their opinions or emotions to a point. It is extremely hard to refuse the power of words. Even though they are just words, the fact that we believe in the words and what they mean allows them to be impossible to refuse. For example, say you have a hundred dollar bill, it probably cost three or four measly pennies to make. It is just a piece of paper. The reason why it is valued at such a high level, valued more then just paper, is because pretty much everyone all around the world believes that it is worth a hundred bucks when really, if you think about it, a one dollar bill and a one hundred dollar bill cost the same. So the reason everyone has such a hard time refusing the wonderful and yet destructive power of words is because they all believe in them. Stop believing in words, you then refuse the power of them. If you stop believing though, then you would never understand anything.
To answer Brittany’s first question, I completely agree with Bryan. My previous blog, on July 16th, talks about this question. Bryan talks about men like Hitler that use them to hurt. That is all so true. On a smaller scale though, teenagers use words all the time to hurt each other through rumors or to cut each other down. Most of the time, the most harmful thing is words. A cut heals after time, but words, they can do some serious long-term damage. The blog I mentioned that I published a while back talks all about this.
I concur with Branden when he says “On a smaller scale though, teenagers use words all the time to hurt each other through rumors or to cut each other down.” I think this is true, but it’s also true for adults. In the work place, in the mall, or really just about every public place someone would use words to make fun of another person. Some people like to “people watch” which in my opinion is another way to say making fun of, because they are really just saying what’s wrong with a person inside their heads.
On Branden’s other topic, I also believe he is right. Without the power of words no one would be able to describe anything. People couldn’t communicate well, if at all. I believe without the power of words we would still be cavemen. The world would not have been the same without the power of words.
Sure, a person can choose not to believe in something but only to a point. A person stops believing in Santa Claus or the Easter bunny when they come to the realization that these things are fictional, not real, imaginative, etc. But when it comes to a material object such as currency or a primary way of communicating, it is a different story. I agree with Branden in the sense that a one hundred dollar bill and a one dollar bill are both “just a piece of paper” with different printing on them to distinguish a more valuable bill from a less valuable one. However, if a person goes around believing a one dollar bill is a one hundred dollar bill, they will not be purchasing anything that costs more than one dollar.
It is the same with the power of words. Branden H says, “Stop believing in words, you then refuse the power of them.” I do not understand how a person can simply “stop believing in words.” I am aware that Branden H does briefly point out that nothing would be understood if this happened, but I would like to elaborate. Words and language in general make up our communication system around the world. If a person simply did not believe in the power of words, then what would we be left with? Words. Just words. Can you imagine how mundane the world would be? The power that words possess creates emotion, giving words meaning. When I imagine the world without the power of words, I think of a bunch of mindless robots running around aimlessly. When the words are strung together, creating sentences, stories, speeches, etc., they contain that liveliness that gives so many people inspiration, hope, and on the negative side, pain or anguish. We can not stop believing in words because, if we did, life would not be the same.
I have to agree with Grace on this one. Words make sure that there is a deeper meaning in life, and without the effect and power these few letters and phrases have on us we will not learn the few things that are most vital to us. And I'm glad that Grace pointed out that words "contain that liveliness that gives so many people inspiration, hope, and on the negative side, pain or anguish". And this to me, means a lot, because without words we would have stayed in the past and in a way it's almost as if everone in the world would be the same. I mean, wouldn't it be hard to communicate or show other people our feelings? And wouldn't everything we want to say be bottled up in us and we would have no way to tell people how we feel. I know that if there were no words I would feel completely lifeless and un-important. Words make us who we are and no matter what, I really don't see that changing.
I have to agree that words give meaning to life that nothing else could ever replace. You cannot escape from words. Is it possible to use words to escape though? Don’t many writers use words to express themselves, and to escape from their feelings? What about people who have journals? Even Liesel uses words to escape the things going on, but not by writing, by reading. When she wakes from the nightmares, what does she do? She and Hans have “The Midnight Class”. When the air raid is going on, Liesel reads to the people in the shelter, and it calms the people, helping them to escape (even if only for a few moments) the madness going on around them. Liesel even reads to Frau Holtzapfel. One day she “was actually glad to enter the Holtzapfel’s kitchen. The sooner she started reading, the better” (468). While people can never even hope of escaping from words, words can be used as an escape.
I have to disagree with the fact that words are what give life meaning. I think that words can be very powerful, but actions can be more powerful yet.
Liesel is very much loved by Rudy, Hans, and Rosa although they never come out and say it. Hans shows her that he loves her by being with her every night and helping her through her nightmares.
Rosa Hubermann is one of the greatest examples of the power of words and the power of actions. Rosa's words are powerful, and they relay anything from simple information to the cruelest forms of name calling and punishment. She is an overly agressive woman and she appears capricious, but she loves Liesel and it's very obvious. Rosa's words inform and persuade, but her actions are loving and full of care.
Leisel is very much Rosa's opposite in that her words are used to comfort and to escape.
While words are power, some cannot use them. Liesel and Hans, and even death, can use words more than anything else to communicate, but other people in this book, like Rosa and the mayor's wife, must use actions to communicate and the power of words is lost on them.
I agree with Megan the actions can be more powerful than words. For many, what people say can be misleading. The power of words is also confined to the barriers of a language. Actions, however, can be understood with minimal confusion around the world. For instance, a handshake in the U.S. means the same thing in Europe or Japan or even Africa.
In the book, when the Mayor's wife leaves the window to the library open, she encourages Liesel to revisit the library without ever speaking or writing to her. Perhaps this was the only way that the eldery woman with a cold heart could communicate with a young child that still saw life as a wonderful thing. In this way, actions were shown to be more powerful than words.
On Grace’s comment about my previous thoughts, “Stop believing in words, you then refuse the power of them.” She then goes on saying, “I do not understand how a person can simply ‘stop believing in words’.” I totally agree with that. That was the point I was trying to get across. There is no way anyone could ever stop believing in words. It is just impossible. I completely agree with every word Grace said. I would love to elaborate on any of it, but she pretty much covered everything.
One thought I had after reading Megan H’s thoughts was, well to start, I have to disagree “that words can be very powerful, but actions can be more powerful yet.” Yes it is true that her papa, her mama, and Rudy show their love, but without words, how would she even know what love is? I cannot think of any way she could. Without words she could think love meant… well there is the problem, the word would not even exist. Her papa’s loving actions would mean nothing to her because words mean nothing to her, if words were not around or she did not believe in them. As strong as actions are, and boy can some actions be powerful, those actions would mean nothing without words.
I think Liesel, although young, is one of the few who is starting to understand the power of words through books. She doesn't read books like everyone else, she takes them for her own and discovers them through pain and anger. Like when she enters the mayor's library; remember when she sees all those books how she just marvels and jubilates in the moment. She can really feel all the energy flowing through them by just touching them. That's why she feels like she was stabbed when she saw those books burn.
Not to get off subject, I will specifically describe how she obtains this power. Liesel grabs the "Grave Digger's Handbook" like we have discussed before. Then, how she is comforted and taught by Papa's warm words and how he reads the book out loud. This first book gives her a taste of the power of words as does Hans' warm reassurances. Also, when she obtains the shoulder shrug she has this great new emotion called anger. This great and powerful emotion will bring her to a greater understanding of the power of words and the book will help her as well. This power is not given, it is taken; that's why Liesel is the only one who can feel it, because she is "the Book Thief". This power can rub off like it did on Hans when she told him of her crime; this helped him and influenced him to know what he had to do.
Devon S F
I would like to comment on Megan H's argument that actions can be more powerful that words, and more specifically, that Rosa Huberman shows her love through her actions. Although she has a valid point, I must disagree. It is common knowledge that her words are abusive and profane, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't loving. I think that Rosa has a different way of expressing her love. that is one of the wonders of words and language, that although the definition of a word or phrase might mean something rude or cruel, the way it's said, or who it's said by, can change the meaning completely. In Rosa's case, her normal vocabulary consists of profanity, but she uses it with the ones she love, and after a while the reader begins to see that her outwardly hurtful comments are actually caring and affectionate.
However, as word show Rosa's affection, so does her lack of words. Not necessarily actions, just silence. At some of the most trying times, Rosa shows that she really does care for Hans and Liesel when she doesn't speak. As she is constantly shouting provanities, her silences are even more impactful. For example, the second time they were in the bomb shelter, Liesel and mama held hands. No talking. No saying that they loved each other. No possible last words of comfort. It was all implied. In the silence. Because Rosa Huberman does not really know how to say "I love you." And Liesel knows it. So when Rosa's at a loss for words, Liesel knows which words she's looking for. Also, this is also shown the night that Liesel finds Rosa asleep on the accordion. No words of regret, of fear, of anxiety. Just a broken women and silence. Liesel knew what she was saying. Another power of words: sometimes they don't need to be spoken.
I agree with Devon S F about Rosa's use of profane words and how they are loving. Liesel understands that her mama's ways and her use of profane words are the only way she knows how to express her love. Even Liesel and Rudy's relationship uses profane words but it's their way of showing how they care for each other. It is the way these words are spoken, not really the words themselves that makes these words powerful.
Caitlyn R W said...
"I agree with Devon S F about Rosa's use of profane words and how they are loving. Liesel understands that her mama's ways and her use of profane words are the only way she knows how to express her love. Even Liesel and Rudy's relationship uses profane words but it's their way of showing how they care for each other. It is the way these words are spoken, not really the words themselves that makes these words powerful."
Its not just the words either, its also the timing. These words are used consistently which provide a foundation for the characters. So not only does it get a character through but it also creates he environment in which learn to love in this book.
Although they say that actions speak louder than words, you do have to wonder what a world without words would be like? Would there even be any action if there weren't words? We act on what people tell us and therefore it seems to me that the only way for us to do these actions would be for someone to tell us.
I mean sure, what we do is based on what people tell us. For example, if somone made a gesture. Would you know what they were trying to tell you if they didn't say it out loud. We all would, of course, understand simple things such as a handshake or anything simple. This would be a sad day if our world was only based on actions and gestures. we wouldn't understand some of the more complex actions.
And as Brenden said "Without words she could think love meant… well there is the problem, the word would not even exist. Her papa’s loving actions would mean nothing to her because words mean nothing to her, if words were not around or she did not believe in them" I have to agree that without words well, nothing would get done. We would never understand certain emotions because we wouldn't know what they are. And, hate to tell you, even the simplest actions such as love, understanding, or kindness can always be taken the wrong way without words ever being involved.
I agree with Devon S. when he talks about Rosa. Her love is shown by the things that she says, and the things that she doesn’t say at all. I disagree and I agree with Shelby G at the same time. While a world without words would be completely unimaginable, I do believe that actions can sometimes have more of an impact than words could ever. In Rosa’s case, it’s silences that have that impact. Devon said, “For example, the second time they were in the bomb shelter, Liesel and Mama held hands. No talking. No saying that they loved each other. No possible last words of comfort. It was all implied. In the silence. Because Rosa Huberman does not really know how to say “I love you”. And Liesel knows it. So when Rosa’s at a loss for words, Liesel knows which words she’s looking for”.
I can see where Lucy is going and I think Liesel can better understand the power of words through her books and experiences. she actually said "She could start to understand the brilliance and power in words" when she was reading the shoulder shrug. She begins to use the power of words later on and she will see the impact they make.
I am going to have to agree with Devon’s thoughts about Rosa’s use of profanity as her way of showing her love. I know many parents that are extremely hard on their kid or kids because they love them so much so they want to push their kids to be everything they can be. And many times the parents will get angry because they know their kid can be so much more. Usually anger is associated with profanity and well Rosa is a big fan of profanity. It is just her way of pushing Liesel to be everything she can be and keeping her in line so she does not mess up. It may seem a little harsh, but it just one of the many ways to show love for another.
I also agree with Shelby G on her comment about “the simplest actions such as love, understanding, or kindness can always be taken the wrong way without words ever being involved.” An example of this is how Rosa talks and treats Liesel. Most people would think what a terrible mother after listening to her talk, but she really is not. Love can be taken wrong very easily in a situation like that.
I do not know if you guys have ever noticed last year at Columbine there were a lot of people who would wear red t-shirts that said “In-Solidarity and When actions speak louder than words”. Those t-shirts were a response to an extremely stereotypical article about Asians written by Max Carson. On May 3rd 2008 about 20,000 t-shirts were worn to let people know that stereotyping is not okay on any level. That day showed that actions really did speak louder than words.
In The Book Thief it seems that the words made a bigger impact than actions. For instance when Liesel was reading during the air-raid it helped the panicked calm down. The words gave them something to listen to and distract them from thinking of other things. Also when Liesel reads Max’s story the word shaker it made her realize the power of words. Words helps Liesel learn and understand which is more powerful than actions.
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