The Book Thief

Have you ever read a book and couldn't decide what theme fit it best? I'm reading "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak and I have three possible themes for this book. The possible themes are The power of words, racism, and the basic right to freedom. The first theme is the power of words. "In years to come he would be a giver of bread, not a stealer proof again of the contradictory human being. So much good, so much evil. Just add water"(pg.171) This goes with the theme because the words in this little paragraph make you think about how Hans Hubberman could be, not just Hans but maybe people in general. People could be really mean at one time and steal. Just add water and they are a bright sunshine that likes to help and be nice. That is how I interpret this quote. Also another quote on the power of words is "I've seen so many young men over the years who think they're running at other young men. They are not. They're running at me."(pg182) The quote relates to the theme because when you really think about that quote its true. People think they are just running at other people or objects but sometimes they aren't. Sometimes they are running at death or maybe partial death and they have no idea. Racism is another theme I interpreted from this book. "Because you shouldn't want to be like black people or Jewish people or anyone who is.....not us"(pg60) Racism plays a role in this quote because Rudy's father is telling him that he does not want to be like other people other than theirselves. He doesn't have a reason why he doesn't want to be like the other people than "they will take you away". That is also racism, you can not take someone away due to their ethnic background or color. "Who comes from pasing? Yes sir I come from pasing. He was promptly handed a toothbrush and told to clean the shit house"(pg176) This is racism without a doubt. You can't make someone clean up your "garbage" just because they are from a certain city, state, region, country...