A Look At The Emotional Journey Of Liesel As Shown In “The Book Thief”

“It’s just some words really, about…a girl, some terms, an accordionist. Some fanatical Germans. One Jewish fistfighter and quite a little thievery. (Zusak 5. There is also Death. The Book Thief (by Markus Zusak) is set during Nazi Germany’s 1900s. Death tells the extraordinary story of Liesel Mesinger. Liesel, a young German girl, experiences the inevitable struggles of growing up during wartime. Her emotional journey begins by a journey. She will find a new beginning on the 33rd Himmel Street in Molching. Liesel is no exception. Everybody experiences emotional changes. Liesel’s emotional path will see her change in three major components: friendships and deaths.

Liesel is a lonely, desolate girl who arrives at her foster family’s home on 33 Himmel Street with a small suitcase, a stolen book, and no friends. “Liesel understood that. {…

Original: It was a cold winter day.

Paraphrased: It was a frigid winter day. No matter how many times she was told that she was loved, there was no recognition that the proof was in the abandonment.|…

Original: As we move forward, there is still much work to be done.

Paraphrased: We still have a long way to go as we progress. Regardless of how many times she was told she was loved, she didn’t know that the proof was in her abandonment.|…

Original: She is a very talented singer.

Paraphrased: She has remarkable vocal abilities. It didn’t matter how many times she was assured that she was loved. The proof was in abandonment.| She knew that. Although she was repeatedly told she was loved by her family, it was not evident that the proof was found in her abandonment.|… No one could convince her that she was loved.} Nothing could change the fact she was a thin, lonely child living in another country with more people. Alone” (Zusak 32). Despite this, Liesel soon accepts her new environment and makes new friends. Hans and Rosa Hubermann love Liesel immediately, but they do so in a strange way. Rosa uses a wooden spoon to beat Liesel and makes various phrases. Hans saw it as the act not to leave. Liesel, not surprising, immediately becomes closer to her father. “etc.she imagined the smell of it, mapped out on her papa’s clothes.|”…She pictured the scent of it, and mapped it on her papa’s clothes.|”… The modifications to the protocol will make sure that the procedure is more secure.She imagined the smell, which she had mapped on her papa’s clothes.|”…

Original: The sun was shining brightly in the sky.

Paraphrased: The sun was radiating its rays in the atmosphere.She visualized the smell and traced it onto her papa’s clothes.|”…

Original: There’s nothing quite like a good book.

Paraphrased: Nothing compares to an excellent book.she pictured the smell of it and had it mapped out on her father’s clothes.} More than anything, it was the smell of friendship….”(Zusak 72). Hans Hubermann had a background as a painter and was also an accordionist. But, what was most important was that he was honest and moral. “In 1933, 90 per cent of Germans supported Adolf Hitler unflinchingly. The remaining 10% didn’t. Hans Hubermann was one of the 10%. “There was reason for it” (Zusak63). The reason is that a Jew saved his life once and he didn’t want to forget it. Erik Vandenburg had a son called Max and died before anyone else. As the terrorization against Jews became more severe, Max was left with no other option than to seek the help of the Hubermanns. Max and Liesel quickly became close friends while he was hiding at the Hubermanns. Max and Liesel were both Jewish fighters and book thieves, but soon realized they had much in common. “Liesel noticed similarities in this stranger while she was watching. Both were in an agitated state when they arrived at Himmel Street. Both of them had nightmares “(Zusak206). Due to Liesel and Rudy’s communist parents, they both have a great respect for words. Rudy Steiner was Liesel’s friend and partner in crime. Rudy Steiner was always Liesel’s best friend. A snowball in one’s face is the ideal beginning of a lasting relationship” (Zusak 48).

Liesel has experienced remarkable transformations through the friendships she made with Max Vandenburg and Hans Hubermann. Each of these individuals tap into Liesel’s emotions to change her outlook about the world. Hans teaches Liesel it takes courage to believe in something, and that there can be consequences. Max taught Liesel compassion for people in need. It also made her feel purposeful. Rudy is her example of true companionship, love. Each of them gave her vital information that has changed her life.

Death, especially her loved ones’ deaths, is another factor that greatly impacts Liesel. It is obvious that the novel’s central theme is death, with Death as the narrator in the background and World War II in its background. Both the fear and reality of death were constants during this time. Therefore, the novel is filled with the omnipresence and threat of death. The book’s beginning gives us a hint that Liesel will face a lot of hardship and loss. “I was about leaving when I saw her kneeling down. Her body was covered in a mountain of rubble. All in all, the original…I wanted to stop.|…

Original: Our team is committed to excellence.

Paraphrased: Our squad is devoted to greatness. I wanted to stop.|…

Original: It was very dark in the room.

Paraphrased: The room was completely enveloped in darkness.I was ready to go.|…

Original: I went to the store and bought some milk.

Paraphrased: I visited the store and purchased some milk.I wanted it to end.|…

Original: All of the students had an assignment to complete.

Paraphrased: Every student had a task to finish.I wished to stop.} To crouch down. I wanted you to understand that I was sorry. (Zusak 12-13). The mountain of rubble surrounding Liesel is a sign that she faces many challenges. Liesel is a girl with many obstacles to overcome (Zusak86).

Liesel must overcome many obstacles to her novel, including the death of close family members. “War meant death, but it always shifted ground beneath the feet of someone who lived or breathed near you” (Zusak 467).

Liesel was riding on the train with Werner, her younger brother, when Werner died. Liesel is left traumatized and unable to sleep for some time after the unexpected death. Liesel is confronted with the harsh and painful realities that life brings. Hans Hubermann later becomes a member of the Nazi Party, but on very strange terms. It is quickly followed by a note stating that he will be drafted into Germany’s army. Rudy’s father Alex Steiner learns that Rudy was sent to war five days later for refusing permission to go to a school that trains Nazi-inspired boys. Barbara Steiner explained to Rudy that if they came to ask for one of their children, then ‘you’re supposed say yes’ (Zusak 419)

Luckily, Alex Steiner as well as Hans Hubermann did not go to war. Alex was sent in Austria to repair uniforms and socks. Hans was sent from Stuttgart to mending uniforms, socks, and shirts. He was later transferred to Essen, where his position was one of most infuriating on the home front. LSE, also known by Dead Body Collectors. In mid-February, Liesel & Rosa get a letter from Papa stating that their Papa was returning home due to a broken leg. They are happy for a time. Papa returns home, and everything is fine until October 7, when Himmel Street is bombed and flattened to its foundations. The radio shrieked and sirens rang out that day. “One person was saved. She survived because her basement was filled with her story and she was checking for errors.

Liesel is distraught and overwhelmed by grief after being rescued. This is when Liesel loses her innocence, and begins to learn. She comes to realize that everything is a matter of fate. Why should one person have to die while the other can live? Why him? It is easy to answer. These things are not something anyone expects. They don’t expect them” (Zusak 555) Alex Steiner finally made it home. Rudy was later resentful that he had not allowed him to go to the school. You help someone out. They are killed. How could he possibly know?” (Zusak 557) Liesel learns to accept death as a part of life.

The final factor that makes Liesel change is her ability to use words. Liesel is the book thief because of this. She is a book thief because she is obsessed with the theft of books. The Grave Digger’s Handbook is her first book that she stole. Liesel perseveres despite her inability read. Liesel is prone to bed-wetting one night. Hans gets under the sheets to get rid of them and discovers her missing book. Papa taught Liesel that she should read every night. One letter at a tim until she understood the meaning. The Shoulder Shrug was the second book that Liesel has stolen. This happened at a Hitler’s Birthday bonfire. Liesel did not feel ashamed when she saw the book. She was actually more proud than that little pool of feelings in her stomach. She wanted to steal it because of anger and deep hatred. The original…What was there to be angry about?|…

Original: The sky is blue.

Paraphrased: The heavens are azure in color. What was she angry about?|…What could she be angry at?|…

Original: The sky was a brilliant shade of blue.

Paraphrased: The sky was a dazzling blue.What were you angry about?|…

Original: The store had an amazing selection of items.

Paraphrased: The shop had a wonderful variety of merchandise.What’s the reason to be mad?} In other words, the answer went from Himmel Street, through the Fuhrer, back to her real mother’s unfindable location, and then again” (Zusak84). Liesel is stealing The Shoulder Shrug because she wants to retaliate against Hitler for stealing the parents. Hitler’s act in stealing was the catalyst for her anger and deep hatred.

The Whistler by Ilsa Hermann is Liesel’s next stolen book. Rosa Hubermann, who happens to iron and wash clothes for the mayor and Ilsa, is now Rosa Hubermann. Rosa was unable to keep up with the demands of the washing machine and ironing, so she summoned Liesel to take over the laundry. She hopes her clients won’t fire Rosa if they see a skinny, pale girl at their door. They continue to be dismissed by customers until Ilsa Hermann is the last.

Liesel’s anger is intensified when Ilsa makes them redundant. “You and Your Husband. Sitting here. She became more spiteful. She was more vengeful and evil that she believed. The harm done by words. The brutality of words. They came from somewhere she did not recognize and were thrown at Ilsa. She informed her that it was about time she realized the truth. You need to accept the reality that your son has passed away….|It’s time to face the reality that your son is gone ….|It’s high time that you face the fact that your son has died …

Original: Our team is dedicated to providing the best service possible.

Paraphrased: Our squad is devoted to furnishing the optimal service feasible..|It’s time that you confront the fact that your boy is dead …

Original: We need to make sure that we are doing everything in our power to solve the problem.

Paraphrased: We must take whatever steps necessary to tackle the issue..|It’s now that you realize your son is no more …

Original: It was a difficult decision, but I ultimately decided to go.

Paraphrased: It was a tough call, but I eventually made up my mind to go…} ‘” (Zusak 263). It was visible on Liesel’s face. {…

Original: His patience was wearing thin.

Paraphrased: He was losing his patience.Cuts had opened up and a series of wounds were rising to the surface of her skin.|…

Original: The sun shone brightly in the sky.

Paraphrased: The sun radiated brilliance in the heavens.Cuts had appeared and a number of cuts were visible on her skin.|…

Original: She had a smile that could light up a room.

Paraphrased: Her smile was so bright it could illuminate a room.Cuts had opened and a variety of wounds were emerging to her skin.|…

Original: The sun shone brightly in the sky.

Paraphrased: The sun shone radiantly in the heavens.Cuts had popped up, and a series wounds were appearing on her skin.|…

Original: There were two birds chatting in the garden.

Paraphrased: Two birds were conversing in the yard.Cuts had developed and several wounds rose to the surface.} These are the words. Liesel’s words were quoted (Zusak 263).

As revenge, Liesel later returns to Rudy with The Whistler. Liesel is doing it in revenge for losing her weekly access, as she did with The Shoulder Shrug. However, Liesel didn’t lose all her words. Max had left Hubermann’s home for safety reasons, and Hans was on war duty, so Rosa decided Liesel was ready to receive Max’s gift, The Word Shaker. Liesel learns that the nation is held together by words from The Word Shaker. She concludes that words are not beautiful and the world does not deserve them. “She tore off a page and tore it in half. Then she ripped a page from the book and ripped it in half. Soon, the only thing left was a few words scattered around her legs. They were words. They were necessary. The Fuhrer wasn’t even a word without them. There would not be limping prisoners. We wouldn’t need consolation or words to make us feel better. “What good were words?” (Zusak 521).

Liesel was so upset by the theft that she took out Ilsa’s book, she wrote an apology letter to Ilsa. Ilsa grants Liesel a notebook so that she can create her own stories. Liesel survived the bombing because Liesel was editing her story in the basement. Through the emotional journey of words, Liesel learns to appreciate the beauty and cruelty of words. She also sees how beautiful words can be turned into something terrible. Liesel’s perceptions about words have changed greatly and she is now more aware of the power words can exert on her.

Liesel’s whole life has been shaped and influenced by three interconnected factors: friendships; deaths; words. Each of these factors had an impact on Liesel’s outlook and ability to deal with the difficulties she faced. She changes through her emotional journey in many ways. She experiences a shift in how she sees the world, her surroundings, and herself. She has grown up and become a capable young woman. This is the story of a young girl’s coming-of-age story. She was able survive war, poverty, and death. Despite seeing the worst of life, she is resilient enough to endure and still love others.