The Book Thief Research Paper

Children these days worry about many things, from having the newest style of clothing, to fitting in with friends. Liesel Meminger from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak had many more serious things to worry about. Being a foster girl from Munich in Nazi Germany during World War II also treats Leisel horribly, for she runs into many problems. Not only is World War II terrifying for Liesel, but it is also terrifying to many people in her life. This book is considered a classic because Liesel’s life as a righteous Gentile is relatable, captivating, and universally accepted. One reason why this book is considered a classic is because there are many relatable characters and situations that not only the characters in the book go through, but many
other people living during World War II go through. “You could argue that Liesel Meminger had it easy. She did have it easy compared to Max Vandenburg” (161). Not only does Liesel, who goes through many unbelievable situations have it easy compared to any Jew, but most of the Germans had it easier. Secondly, the Hubermann’s are not the only Gentiles who hid Jews during the Holocaust, many people did. A righteous German would be able to relate to the Hubermann’s life and their journey in hiding a Jew. Lastly, many people wanted to help the Jews by giving them food and other things to help them survive. Hans Hubermann is trying to feed one of the Jews by giving them food on their long walk to Dachau. Hans is punished for his deeds and is whipped several times on the back for trying to help one Jew. A second reason why this book is a classic is because the plot is captivating. A part of the book that makes one want to read more is when the book talks about Rudy saying “He did not deserve to die the way he did” (241). This one comment is suspicious, and one would probably want to know how he dies. This cliffhanger makes the reader want to read more. Additionally, the book is captivating when the air strikes occur. The first time this happens, nobody dies; however, the next time this happens, three of Liesel’s closest friends and family die. Furthermore, The Book Thief is captivating when Max Vandenberg leaves the house to go to the concentration camp. One would not expect Max to live and never see Liesel again due to the fact that many people never saw their family or friends after the war. Despite this, Max lives and reunites with Liesel at the end of World War II. Finally, The Book Thief is considered a classic book because of its universal theme of friendship, especially between Max and Liesel.
One part of the book that shows friendship is at the end, when Max and Liesel reunite after the war. “They hugged and cried and fell on the floor” (548). This one part of the book demonstrates what real friendship is. Real friendship is reuniting after a long time of not seeing each other. Another time when friendship is apparent is when Liesel and Max write their books together while Max is in hiding. They are taking something they love—reading—and making that a reality by writing their own books that they can read to each other. Best friends—like Max and Liesel— usually do things that they love together; this is one true aspect of friendship. Finally, Max and Liesel show their true friendship when when it is snowing. Liesel cares about Max so much, that she will even take snow down to the basement to play with him. It is very kind of Liesel to do this. A classic book is filled with relatable characters and situations, a captivating plot, and a universal theme. The Book Thief is a perfect example of a classic book. Liesel’s life story represents what many righteous Gentiles went through during the Holocaust. The exciting and melancholy story will be sure to catch one’s
eye.