The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

In Markus Zusak‘s the Book thief many underlying themes appear that are not easily noticed unless closely examined. These themes often appear as symbolism, metaphors, and deeper meanings. These themes occur wrth objects, colors, and even symbols. Some examples include an accordion. the Nazi swastika. books. and many other things. However, lwill be focusing on the underlying themes and symbolism of Books and food. I believe that these things all have many examples throughout the book thief of symbolism and mean different things to different people, and at the same time are very effective at portraying the holocaust. One of the most prominent recurring themes is the concept of food and sharing food. On page 151 there is one such example: “He took the sack and gave Rudy and Liesel a dozen apples between them".

As well as: Rudy and Liesel consumed 6 apples apiece. These are examples of how food is not only shared but helps people bond in tough times. Another passage from page 155 supports this: "This." Rudy announced at one point. with a candy toothed grin, “is the good life," and Liesel didn't disagree. This further proves that food- in this case candy» is a symbol of bonding and also happiness. sharing, and even compassion. In the book thief, pea soup becomes a recurring theme and can symbolize a few different things. Another instance of bonding over food is in the Liesels family: "Saumensch!" Mama abused her that night. "Why are you vomiting so much?" “Maybe it's the pea soup,”Liesel suggested."That's right." Papa echoed. He was over at the window again. "It must be. I feel a bit sick myself."

This is an instance of bonding between Liesel and her father because he is sticking up for her so she doesn't get in trouble for vomiting. One of the most memorable examples of compassion over food is when Max Vandenburg first arrives at the Hubermanns house. “Rosa Hubermann was at Max Vandenburg's shoulder. watching him gulp down her infamous pea soup." This is a symbol of welcoming and accepting Max by giving him the pea soup when he needs it so badly. it being food and refuge. This shows that compassion and bonding is also represented by food and Pea soup. Books also represent significant symbolism in The book thief. portraying things such as Jews. bonding. and even friendship. One example of books representing bonding and friendship is on page 44.

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"No skipping chapter six or step four in chapter nine." He laughed, as did the bed wetter. “Well, I'm glad that's settled. We can get on with it now." This shows that books represent bonding and friendship in the book thief especially between Hans and Liesel. Books all also represent bonding and friendship between Max and Liesel. This is supported by page 171: Max and Liesel were held together by the quiet gathering of words. “Hi, Max."“Hi, Liesel.“They would sit and read. This shows that books were the foundation of Max and Liesels relationship and bonding. Books were also a symbol of safety and refuge for Max: Mein Kampf of all the things to save him pg. This shows that books were also a personal symbol for Max of his safety from the Nazis.

Throughout the book thief there are many examples of symbolism and themes with objects. Markus Zusak does very well using symbolism to create a deeper meaning in the the Book thief and also to ponray the holocaust. Food often represents bonding and compassion in the book thief depending on the person. Books also have a lot of symbolism in the book representing things such as bonding. friendship, and in Max‘s case refuge and safety. As a whole, the book thief does an effective job using symbolism and themes to portray the holocaust and create deeper meaning of objects that mean different things to different people.

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