The Book Thief Written By: Markus Zusak
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.
(http://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375831002)
"In the beginning, it was the profanity that made an immediate impact. It was so vehement and prolific. Every other word was either Saumensch or Saukerl or Arscholch." The words in italics are German words in which contain a meaning that is vulgar. They are slang terms which we do not hear often if at all here in America. This just shows the difference in the way our cultures are built. Rosa has no issue with saying these words on a daily basis, sometimes all in a row. The use of profane words by a woman in a book really comes to show who her character is. It shows that she is a strong-willed person who won't let anything get in her way. “She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Liesel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like the regret in the shadows of trees and in the glow of the anarchist’s suit collection. She kissed him long and soft, and when she pulled herself away, she touched his mouth with her fingers. Her hands were trembling, her lips were fleshy, and she leaned in once more, this time losing control and misjudging it. Their teeth collided on the demolished world of Himmel Street.” This quote demonstrates the respect that these children show for one another. Liesel was in made love with Rudy, as he was with her, but she never really wanted him to know this. Her only chance, well actually she passed up many but this was her last chance to kiss him was now. Although he had been killed and died she was going to get her kiss in. I don't really know if this is a cultural thing, but more of a respect that I think all of us could share if we were put in this situation.
Although it is true that the vulgar language has a strong impact on the feelings the book creates in the reader, I disagree with the claim that the vulgar language is purely a cultural thing. Because the book concentrates on the difficult times going on during World War II, many of the characters deal with negative feelings such as anger, depression and frustration. I believe that the stress and negativity of the war situation is what was causing the constant inappropriate language with people of all ages. I do not believe that the characters had vulgar language because they were from Germany, but because of the situation they were in.
ReplyDeleteI agree that when Liesel kissed Rudy right after he died she did it out of respect and love. I also agree that this isn’t as much of a cultural action as it is a respectful action. This passage in the book shows the closeness and care between these two people.