The Book Thief is a critically acclaimed novel written by Markus Zusak which was first published in 2005 It is narrated by Death who is responsible for taking lives and yet is also deeply emotional and understanding. Set in Nazi Germany, it tells the powerful story of Liesel, a young girl who is taken in by a foster family and uses books as an escape from the horrors of World War II. The story is told in an incredibly unique and original way and has themes of love, friendship, courage, and identity.
The Book Thief has been an incredibly popular book among readers of all ages which makes it a great topic for an essay. Here are the five best examples of topics for an essay about The Book Thief:
1. Analyzing the themes and motifs in The Book Thief: Explore how Markus Zusak has used different themes and motifs in the novel, such as death, hope, courage, friendship, and identity, and how these themes explored throughout the novel.
2. Analyzing how Liesel’s relationships with different characters shape her identity: Analyze how different relationships in the novel, such as those with her foster parents, Max, Death, and the Fiedlers, shape Liesel’s identity and how the book drives home the point that, despite all the pain and suffering, if you open yourself up to love and hope, there will always be something to live for.
3. Exploring the symbolism in The Book Thief: Analyze how different symbols, such as books and writing, are used to explore themes such as courage, identity, and hope.
4. Analyzing the role of death in The Book Thief: Explore how Death is used more as a sympathetic narrator than a feared and dreaded being, and how it is used to provide insight into the human condition and to make us appreciate life more.
5. Exploring the role of books in The Book Thief: Analyze how books are used as a symbol of resistance and hope in the novel and how they are used by Liesel to remind her of the beauty in life, despite the war and destruction that she sees around her.