Sunday, March 15, 2009
#3 - literary elements
Markus Zusak uses many literary elements throughout The Book Thief. However, the most significant of those is the personifcation of Death. Having Death personified as an actual character, more specifically the narrator, helps the story in many ways. For one, Death is able to see things as a spectator of everything happening. This gives us readers and easier understanding of the characters and setting. Also, having Death personified somewhat dictates the mood of the book. Because it is Death, they way things are described usually sound so gloomy. Death's pessimist descriptions can help show the troubled times in Nazi Germany. Because Death is personified and gives gloomy observations and descriptions, the personification of Death is one of the most important literary elements in The Book Thief.
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I agree, I think that Death's personification is the most important literary element. I think he adds so much to the novel. A lot of Death's descriptions are also very interesting.
ReplyDeleteDeath's personification does add a lot to the mood of the book. I find it iteresting that though Death is gloomy, it appreciates colors. Another big part of Death is the way it foreshadows events. Foreshadowing makes me appreciate the characters more, knowing what their fates are.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emma, death does dictate the mood. Through the personification of death, we as readrs are able to get an idea of what life is honestly like for the characters. Since personification dictates the mood and evn the tone of the book, it is very important.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that Death gives a better view and a better understanding of the story and characters. I think the mood in different parts of the book are very accurately shown, as well.
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