Topic > Liesel's Character Growth in The Book Thief

Marcus Tullius Cicero once said, "A room without books is like a body without a soul." This is true for Liesel, the protagonist of Markus Zuzak's The Book Thief, because her body feels like she doesn't have a soul since she can't read... for a long time. Liesel's character growth is noticeably different from the beginning to the end of the book, and many external forces influence and shape her into who she becomes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Because Liesel grew up in Nazi Germany, she never received a full education. Books and literature are foreign to her and she does not understand their real value. That is only until she steals a manual from her brother's funeral and is later taught to read by Hans, her adoptive father after she is taken to live with him and his wife. Reading leads to writing, which gives her the power to change the world with her literature. The fact that Liesel couldn't read separated her from the world in ways she never imagined. Now that he has learned from Hans, he learns to appreciate his value and become part of the world. Liesel knows that words can also be used in a negative way. She sees it in Hitler's book, Mein Kampf, and is troubled by the power Hitler's words have on his followers. Sometimes Liesel resents the words and wishes they never existed as they are the reason her parents died. Words become of great power to Liesel, who uses them as a verbal weapon. “Blood was dripping from her nose and licking her lips. His eyes had gone black. Cuts had opened and a series of wounds were emerging on the surface of his skin. All from words. From Liesel's words." Liesel goes from being a vulnerable child at first to a confident and courageous adult. His growth in appreciation of literature and words is very significant because, without it, he would never have written The Book Thief, which has had an impact on others as well. In addition to objects, such as books, some characters have an important impact on Liesel. Also. For example, Hans creates a dynamic for her where she feels safe and comfortable around him. He teaches her to read and write, staying up with her until late at night. They enjoy each other's company and Hans gives her valuable knowledge she had never known before. “After three weeks, he retained her. Trust had built up quickly, largely thanks to the brute force of that man's kindness, his presence. The girl knew from the beginning that Hans Hubermann would always appear in the middle of a scream and would not go away... Every morning he was a few steps away from her, crumpled, almost halved, in the chair. Hans demonstrates fatherly love to Liesel and acts as her father figure. Hans is thoughtful, patient, kind, and gentle, and remains so throughout the book. Sometimes he is even strict with her. Not out of irritation, but just because he wants to protect her and make her learn from her mistakes. Hans is a great role model for Liesel because he allows Liesel to think for herself. Liesel looks at Hans and sees his self-determination. She wants to be like him because he helps her think for herself. Unlike other leaders of the time, like Hitler for example, Hans never belittles Liesel's abilities, which turns her into a strong, capable, and wise woman by the end of the book. The last thing that affects Liesel's character is a library. Frau Ilsa Hermann, the mayor's wife, allows Liesel to use her library whenever she wants because Ilsa knows how much Liesel loves to read. The library becomes a sentimental place in Liesel's heart. She appreciates Ilsa for giving her this gift because it allows a.