The power of words are a common theme throughout this novel. I think that we should discuss various instances in which the power of words and their effects have been displayed by Death's narration.
-Julia
One instance in which the power of words is conveyed, is in Liesel's first Nazi book burning. The whole reason why the Nazi's are burning books is because they understand their power, and do not want the people of Germany to be influenced by anything other than their propaganda. And secondly, we have the propaganda that the Nazi's are conveying with the man behind the podium and his speech. Kommunisten, is a single word that the Nazi's have used to influence the German people into turning against communists. But ironically, the effect is opposite on Liesel. This word, which she relates to her parents and brother, makes her realize the horrid things the Nazis have done to her family, deliberately. This of course, changes the whole tide of the novel. -Julia
"Blood leaked from her nose and licked at her lips. Her eyes had blackened. Cuts had opened up and a series of wounds were rising to the surface of her skin. All from words. From Liesel's words."
Liesel makes Ilsa Hermann feel horrible after calling her pathetic and telling her to get over the death of her son. She then imagines her words biting at Ilsa's face. Liesal then regrets her tirade, and recognizes the strength of her harsh words.
This is a really good example. I just want to make a note that the fact that Liesel, at such a young age, can understand the consequences and power of her words, shows her significant insight and maturity. Yes, her outburst was a tad bit immature and spiteful, but the fact that she can understand the pain and agony she caused Frau Hermann and regrets it, shows a lot about her character. -Julia
Ahh I was going to use this example! As Liesel is saying the words, the image of her brother appears next to her. "He whispered for her to stop, but he, too, was dead, and not worth listening to." I think this shows that deep down, Liesel is still bitter about his death. So many bad things have happened to her and she is stuck in a miserable time period and it takes a toll on her emotional state. This release of words is her recognition that things are going downhill. Her brother's image disappears after she shoves it down the steps, something the old Liesel never would have done. "...the glass casing of Molching had now been shattered, and she'd be glad of it." Somehow, this is a turning point for Liesel. She is growing up and leaving her childhood innocence behind.
Also, she crumples the letter from Frau Hermann, throws it to the ground, and then imagines the words dissolving in the rain until there was nothing left. I think this image is important because it represents Liesel's diminishing faith in Frau Hermann, as well as the mayor, and therefore the governing system. Ilsa's words mean nothing to Liesel, and thus Ilsa means nothing to Liesel.
One instance in which the power of words is conveyed, is in Liesel's first Nazi book burning. The whole reason why the Nazi's are burning books is because they understand their power, and do not want the people of Germany to be influenced by anything other than their propaganda. And secondly, we have the propaganda that the Nazi's are conveying with the man behind the podium and his speech. Kommunisten, is a single word that the Nazi's have used to influence the German people into turning against communists. But ironically, the effect is opposite on Liesel. This word, which she relates to her parents and brother, makes her realize the horrid things the Nazis have done to her family, deliberately. This of course, changes the whole tide of the novel.
ReplyDelete-Julia
"Blood leaked from her nose and licked at her lips. Her eyes had blackened. Cuts had opened up and a series of wounds were rising to the surface of her skin. All from words. From Liesel's words."
ReplyDeleteLiesel makes Ilsa Hermann feel horrible after calling her pathetic and telling her to get over the death of her son. She then imagines her words biting at Ilsa's face. Liesal then regrets her tirade, and recognizes the strength of her harsh words.
- Becca Morrin
This is a really good example. I just want to make a note that the fact that Liesel, at such a young age, can understand the consequences and power of her words, shows her significant insight and maturity. Yes, her outburst was a tad bit immature and spiteful, but the fact that she can understand the pain and agony she caused Frau Hermann and regrets it, shows a lot about her character.
Delete-Julia
Ahh I was going to use this example!
DeleteAs Liesel is saying the words, the image of her brother appears next to her. "He whispered for her to stop, but he, too, was dead, and not worth listening to." I think this shows that deep down, Liesel is still bitter about his death. So many bad things have happened to her and she is stuck in a miserable time period and it takes a toll on her emotional state. This release of words is her recognition that things are going downhill. Her brother's image disappears after she shoves it down the steps, something the old Liesel never would have done. "...the glass casing of Molching had now been shattered, and she'd be glad of it." Somehow, this is a turning point for Liesel. She is growing up and leaving her childhood innocence behind.
Also, she crumples the letter from Frau Hermann, throws it to the ground, and then imagines the words dissolving in the rain until there was nothing left.
DeleteI think this image is important because it represents Liesel's diminishing faith in Frau Hermann, as well as the mayor, and therefore the governing system. Ilsa's words mean nothing to Liesel, and thus Ilsa means nothing to Liesel.
(both from Ali B)
Delete