Genre 2:
Below is a word cloud depicting words that relate to what it means to be an individual and not conform in the shape of a book. Books were the key to Liesel's unique identity and individualism in The Book Thief, which is why these words are brought together in the shape of a book.
Below is a word cloud depicting words that relate to what it means to be an individual and not conform in the shape of a book. Books were the key to Liesel's unique identity and individualism in The Book Thief, which is why these words are brought together in the shape of a book.
Genre 3:
A conversation in letter format between Liesel and Max after their separation. Although it is improbable that either of these letters would actually get delivered to one another, these letters function as a description of where both character see themselves as individuals after separation from a close friend that positively impacted their life.
A conversation in letter format between Liesel and Max after their separation. Although it is improbable that either of these letters would actually get delivered to one another, these letters function as a description of where both character see themselves as individuals after separation from a close friend that positively impacted their life.
June 26, 1941
My Dearest Max,
It’s been 2 weeks since I’ve seen you last. While it seems like so much has changed, it also seems like everything’s the same. The biggest difference is obviously not seeing you anymore, but I no longer have to tiptoe around my words. I can say what I want, when I want to, because I am not worried about spilling any secrets. Although, I would happily have to think twice (or even three) times about what I am saying if it meant you were back in my life and living in our basement.
I read the book you gifted me every day. Reading your story instills confidence in me to do what I want to do, not what is expected of me. You are so brave and independent, and your courage inspires me to do the same. Your courage to write over the story of such a powerful man inspires me day after day to construct and write my own story.
I hope you are out there somewhere fighting and defending your story; it is a great one that deserves to be continued.
I miss you,
Liesel (The Book Thief)
June 30, 1941
Liesel,
I have lost track of how many days or weeks it has been since I last left the comfort of your basement. Oh how I miss that basement, and you, and Mr. and Mrs. Hubermann. I miss reading with you every day especially, books are hard to come by without you and your thievery. Oh, how I miss that thievery.
You are the reason I am getting through this awful time. Your kindness restored my faith in humanity; it showed that not all individuals, especially Germans, care to see the demise of my race. Your sweet nature and kind spirit propel my fight and encourage me to continue living and fighting against this regime that wants to tear me to pieces.
Although I can’t talk to you right now, knowing you are out there somewhere stealing books, learning, and sharing stories makes me continue this fight so I can hear those wonderful stories once again. Liesel, know that I am fighting to stay alive for you and your stories. I hope that you are staying true to who you are, because we all know how that can be right now.
Stay Strong,
Max (The Hidden Jew)
September 6, 1941
Max,
I don’t even know where to send these letters but I need to know you are out there somewhere, holding on to the dear life you have. I feel so isolated here, everyone is relenting to the Nazi regime and doing what is required of them. I am sick of having no one to turn to, where are you when I need you?
Every time groups walk by I can’t help but hope you are walking among those groups, alive. I constantly get walked over and hit by the patrol men, but it is worth it if it means I can see you in the flesh, even if it’s only for a few seconds. I know defying the law is bad, but what’s worse is not being able to see you.
I don’t even know where to send these letters, but just writing to you helps me feel less alone here. I am constantly surrounded by people, but I feel like I am the only one who doesn’t fall prey to what’s going on around me. Please come home soon safely, I need another partner in my corner.
Liesel (The Book Thief)
September 15, 1941
Liesel,
I know you aren’t getting these letters, but I just need someone to talk to even if you never respond. I am alone all the time, I fear for my life and for others. I constantly feel like I am losing of sight of why I am doing all this. Would it just easier to be caught by the Nazi’s and move on with my life, even if that means death.
I’m not sure if my current state trumps that of a camp or not. I am losing all motivation to try and hold on and survive. I am losing sight of why I did this in the first place. Knowing that you are staying true to who you are and continuing to progress as an individual makes up for my inevitable demise and loss of who I am.
Knowing that you are doing what makes you happy helps me get through this unbearable situation that I find myself in; you are the mobile component of my identity. I hope that you are living enough for the both of us. I know that you will never get this letter, but writing to you helps me feel connected to you in an emotional sense, even though we are physically disconnected.
Max (The Hidden Jew)
My Dearest Max,
It’s been 2 weeks since I’ve seen you last. While it seems like so much has changed, it also seems like everything’s the same. The biggest difference is obviously not seeing you anymore, but I no longer have to tiptoe around my words. I can say what I want, when I want to, because I am not worried about spilling any secrets. Although, I would happily have to think twice (or even three) times about what I am saying if it meant you were back in my life and living in our basement.
I read the book you gifted me every day. Reading your story instills confidence in me to do what I want to do, not what is expected of me. You are so brave and independent, and your courage inspires me to do the same. Your courage to write over the story of such a powerful man inspires me day after day to construct and write my own story.
I hope you are out there somewhere fighting and defending your story; it is a great one that deserves to be continued.
I miss you,
Liesel (The Book Thief)
June 30, 1941
Liesel,
I have lost track of how many days or weeks it has been since I last left the comfort of your basement. Oh how I miss that basement, and you, and Mr. and Mrs. Hubermann. I miss reading with you every day especially, books are hard to come by without you and your thievery. Oh, how I miss that thievery.
You are the reason I am getting through this awful time. Your kindness restored my faith in humanity; it showed that not all individuals, especially Germans, care to see the demise of my race. Your sweet nature and kind spirit propel my fight and encourage me to continue living and fighting against this regime that wants to tear me to pieces.
Although I can’t talk to you right now, knowing you are out there somewhere stealing books, learning, and sharing stories makes me continue this fight so I can hear those wonderful stories once again. Liesel, know that I am fighting to stay alive for you and your stories. I hope that you are staying true to who you are, because we all know how that can be right now.
Stay Strong,
Max (The Hidden Jew)
September 6, 1941
Max,
I don’t even know where to send these letters but I need to know you are out there somewhere, holding on to the dear life you have. I feel so isolated here, everyone is relenting to the Nazi regime and doing what is required of them. I am sick of having no one to turn to, where are you when I need you?
Every time groups walk by I can’t help but hope you are walking among those groups, alive. I constantly get walked over and hit by the patrol men, but it is worth it if it means I can see you in the flesh, even if it’s only for a few seconds. I know defying the law is bad, but what’s worse is not being able to see you.
I don’t even know where to send these letters, but just writing to you helps me feel less alone here. I am constantly surrounded by people, but I feel like I am the only one who doesn’t fall prey to what’s going on around me. Please come home soon safely, I need another partner in my corner.
Liesel (The Book Thief)
September 15, 1941
Liesel,
I know you aren’t getting these letters, but I just need someone to talk to even if you never respond. I am alone all the time, I fear for my life and for others. I constantly feel like I am losing of sight of why I am doing all this. Would it just easier to be caught by the Nazi’s and move on with my life, even if that means death.
I’m not sure if my current state trumps that of a camp or not. I am losing all motivation to try and hold on and survive. I am losing sight of why I did this in the first place. Knowing that you are staying true to who you are and continuing to progress as an individual makes up for my inevitable demise and loss of who I am.
Knowing that you are doing what makes you happy helps me get through this unbearable situation that I find myself in; you are the mobile component of my identity. I hope that you are living enough for the both of us. I know that you will never get this letter, but writing to you helps me feel connected to you in an emotional sense, even though we are physically disconnected.
Max (The Hidden Jew)