The Book Thief Response

DEATH- In The Book Thief, Death is portrayed more compassionate than one would think. He
is not indifferent towards humans, giving each their own color. His condemnation of Hitler and
how he chose to use his power is evident throughout the book. Death compares him to a
character in The Whistler who fooled them into liking him, trusting him. Talked to them while
torturing them. He steps on Hitler's photo after the bomb and reveals that no one served Hitler
as loyally as he did. Death seems to go back and forth and to have conflicting feelings toward
the Germans that were actively persecuting the Jews. So many of them had redeeming qualities
but he pitied them less than the Jews and wondered how can the same thing be both good and
evil. For example, Rudy stole for necessity then it became an enjoyable pastime and later he is a
giver of bread while his own stomach is growling. All of this is proof of the contradictory human
being, So much good. So much evil. Just add water.

Liesel- My favorite quote from the book was She was a girl. In Nazi Germany. How fitting that
she was finding the power of words. Words completely transformed Liesel, giving her a voice
and an opinion. In the beginning of the novel she was somewhat of a blank slate. The more she
learns and reads, the more her character develops, further proving the power of words.