AnnaClaire’s Comments (group member since Oct 24, 2016)

AnnaClaire’s comments from the The Commendable Coterie group.

There has been a lot of discussion about the bond between Liesel and Max, especially with the books Max wrote. Im curious to know what their similarities in personality as well as past struggles make you the reader feel?

Interesting idea Brianna!! I think by him painting over the book, he was making a point that his words were in fact more important then Hitlers. The book tells of many things Max and Liesel have in common, and in a way by painting of the Mein Kampf, Max is stating their journeys are more significant Hitlers writing.

In response to Emma and Julianna, I could not agree more. That is a parallel I didn't realize while reading, but now it makes a lot more sense to me! I do think Max acts as a brother figure in the novel, due to Liesel looking for that missing figure in her life. This is why they have such a strong bond in the book.

"The Word Shaker" is meant to show the power words truly have. It starts off with Hitler, and how his ideas became actions and it all started with the words said. Hitlers words eventually led the foundation for the Nazi Program, proving words can create good OR evil. He pointed out Word Shakers understand the power of words and use that in order to succeed in their goals. Liesel is seen as a Word Shaker, and I think this is important to the overall understanding of the novel.

No I don't think you're going to deep Brianna, that was a well thought out response!!

Here is a small piece of imagary that caught my attention. "So many sets of dying eyes and scuffing feet" (page 509). This description touches upon the horrific scene witnessed by Liesel. In my opinion its sentences like these, that cause the reader to stop and really take in the harsh reality of the novel. Does anyone agree?

This is a broader look on symbolism, however I still thought it meant something to the overall purpose of the book. The seasons define the mood for sections of the novel. For example in beginning of the book, when Liesels brother dies and she is separated from her mother, it is freezing outside. "Within seconds, snow was carved into her skin. Frozen blood was cracked across her hands" (page 23). However once the weather warms up, so does the mood of the novel. For example, when the weather was nice she was able to enjoy a game of soccer with her friends, most notably Ruby, outside. This was a way for her to escape the troubles at home.

The narrator is Death, however death is given the characteristics of something living. Death can be a beautiful orator, while having sarcasm at periods. On page four Death writes, "It suffices to say that at some point I will be standing over you, as genially as possible. Your soul will be in my arms. A colour will be perched on my shoulder. I will carry you gently away.” This is a touching description of Death, using imagery to attract the reader.“I do not carry a sickle or a scythe. I only wear a hooded black robe when it’s cold. And I don’t have those skull-like facial features you seem to enjoy pinning on me from a distance” ( pg 307). Here Death uses sarcasm to change the readers perspective of Death as some evil being, into a more positive figure. Do you guys think the author made Death this way on purpose?

In response to Juliannas comment, I think Death uses the short responses to connect with the reader. We, as humans have emotions and as we read Death evokes certain feelings by the way he explains a story. This further shows his personality, as one who feels for victims and is not necessarily the "evil" most would associate Death with. I agree with how Julianna compared Death to a paradox in her last post, it was a very well written response!

Commenting on what Erica said, throughout the book I cant decide how to characterize Death. I want to ask you guys, the readers, what your thoughts are. Would you perceive Death as an evil watcher, or perhaps the opposite?

^ sorry I made an error in the above comment. I meant connection*

All throughout the book Death adds a quick side note which, through diction, engages with the reader and shows voice of the narrator. Of the handful of side notes, one that profoundly interested me was on page 138. This is when the narrator first gave us a glance at Max Vandenburg. After setting the scene Death adds an expert, that gives visualization and draws the reader in with the word choice used. "To your left, perhaps your right, perhaps even straight ahead, you find a small black room. In it sits a Jew. He is scum. He is starving. He is afriad. Please-- try not to look away" (138). This sets the scene for the connect between Max and Hans, foreshadowing many events to come in the novel.

I have also noticed contrast within Liesel herself. She is one to abide by the rules, with her family and at school. Always answering correctly, such as "Yes Mama" and "Yes Papa" with no complaining. However, such a well disciplined young girl is a thief. She steals books which is against all the rules of society, putting herself and her family at danger. The way the author describes the act, makes the reader believe the crime is much greater than it is. This use of diction is important in the novel. "They began to leave the scene of the crime, and the book was well and truly burning her now" (page 122). After this Liesel was paranoid about who saw her commit such a thing, and this could foreshadow an event to occur later in the book.

When Mr. Steiner talked politics to his son (pg 59) I found contrast among his beliefs. He was apart of the Nazi Party, but he did not hate the Jews. He didn't know if they should be driven out completely, but he was relieved when they were put out of business. These contrasts I think foreshadow the view of most men at this time and their belief that what they were apart of helped society, even if they didn't fully think it was morally right. Mr. Steiner was only of the 90% majority who was in favor for Hilter and the Nazi party, and this draws a contrast from his neighbor, Mr. Hubermann belonged to the 10% who didn't. These contrasts have major impacts on future themes and reasons why things occur in the novel.