Words have great power, and when used correctly, they can influence what people believe and how they act. In The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, many characters develop an understanding of the power of words which causes many characters to be negatively affected by the theme. Characters who are negatively affected by the strength brought by the theme of the power of words include Liesel, Hans, and Rudy. The power of words can influence many people, which results in many characters being negatively impacted like Liesel. The negative effects of this theme of the power of words cause Liesel to experience misery throughout her life. Liesel is abandoned by her mother at a young age. “'Is my mother a communist?' Amazed. Straight ahead. "They always asked her things before I came here." … 'Did the Führer take her away?' … 'I knew it.' The words were thrown against the steps and Liesel could feel the mud of anger stirring hotly in her stomach. “I hate the Fuhrer,” he said. 'I hate it.'” (115) Liesel's mother leaves her with adoptive parents because she wants to protect her from the fate she is suffering. The words that Paula, Liesel's mother, uses go against Hitler because she is a communist, which led to her being taken away and Liesel losing her mother and experiencing her loss. This shows that Liesel experiences unhappiness due to her mother's passing, caused by the words she openly uses that contradict Hitler. Liesel's classmates bully her because of her lack of reading skills. Liesel's classmates tease her because she didn't read the passage she was asked to read. This shows that Liesel experiences unhappiness due to her lack of reading and the power of words. Rudy survived rather than himself. (547)This proves that Alex's words denying Rudy the opportunity to attend the special school caused his death. Rudy would have been alive if Alex Words had accepted the opportunity to attend special school. Rudy's lack of knowledge of the power of words led to him being punished. You might ask, as in The Book Thief many characters are negatively affected by the power of words. if many characters are positively influenced by the power of words. The power of words can influence what people believe and the actions they take. Liesel, Hans, and Rudy are characters who are negatively affected by the power of words. Many characters in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak develop an understanding of the strength of the power he possesses which leads them to be affected in unwanted ways.
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