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Power Of Words In The Book Thief

Decent Essays

Philip K. Dick, a notable author, once said “There exists, for everyone, a sentence - a series of words - that has the power to destroy you. Another sentence exists, another series of words, that could heal you. If you're lucky you will get the second, but you can be certain of getting the first.” The Book Thief explores an array of themes but none more meaningful than the power of language to heal and destroy. The novel follows the life of Liesel Meminger, who learns how much words can influence her life in minuscule ways. Learning the alphabet and creating words was one the first ways that Hans and Liesel bonded. They would sit in the basement for long hours writing words on the wall. The power of words also brought Max and Liesel together. Liesel would describe the weather to him when was trapped in the basement. Hitler used the power words to spread propaganda of racism and hatred. Ultimately, it’s Liesel’s words in her journal she leaves behind after the bombing that institutes the emotional connection Death feels to her. The power of words is the most important theme in The Book Thief. Liesel’s first encounter with the power of words was when Hans was teaching her how to read. Liesel desperately wanted to learn how to read The Gravedigger’s Handbook. Liesel’s last memory of her brother and mother was when she had to bury his brother after he died. Her brother’s death was the first immense loss of a loved one. Liesel associates the event with the book she picked up off

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