The Book Thief - Discovery

An experience can be defined by events that occur or conditions created by us individuals. These experiences may be frightening to an individual as it may encourage negative discoveries about ourselves, others or society. It is important that we learn lessons from experiences and accept the consequence, whether it may be rewarding or not, the discovery may positively impact and alter an individual’s attitude, behaviours and values. This consequently affects others, creating great sense of acceptance, happiness and improved self-esteem. ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak portrays the idea that the horrific, threatening experiences that an individual may endure can be consolidated by unconditional love of parents and true friendship. ‘Cats in The Cradle’, a folk song by Harry Chaplin depicts the idea that realisation in itself is an important discovery as it enables an individual to change, having a positive impact on the people around them. The outlook of an individual strongly influences the impact a discovery has on that person, and how they choose to perceive and react it. ‘The Book Thief’, written by Markus Zusak is a novel set in Nazi Germany that demonstrates the hardships, danger and threatening experiences faced by the German families and Jews during that time in comparison to the rewards obtained due to such experiences and how they compare in relation to each other. Liesel Meminger, the main character experiences death and loss for the first time when her father is ‘taken away’ as an alleged communist. These experiences become more common as Liesel, with ‘One eye open, one still in a dream’ witnesses her brother Werner’s death on a train to Molching. Liesel’s mother cannot financially support and provide for her and therefor makes the difficult decision to place Liesel into the care of Rosa and Hans Huberman. Liesel’s initial reluctance to accept her new home is stimulated by the reoccurring nightmares which she endures. ‘She would wake up swimming in her