Hooray for quote analysis, eh?
Like Eliza, I feel a need to focus on figurative language in The Book Thief with you guys as well. An important thing that you might have noticed, is that Mr. Zusak even uses figurative language in serious situations of the book, as if to simply put further emphasis on the occurrences which are happening, by using vivid language.
"He was in the pint-sized bath, Liesel listened at the washroom door, imagining the tepid water turning to steam as it warmed his iceberg body. Mama and Papa were at the climax of debate in the combined bedroom and living room, their quiet voices trapped inside the corridor wall" (Pg 214-215)
The act of using the word iceberg to describe Max's body when he is staying in the basement helps the reader realize just how cold it was on Himmel Street that winter. The language then help reinforces Papa's argument on the next page about how Max could possibly die in the basement, should he continue to live down there. But maybe there are some counter-examples to the idea of figurative language stressing important parts of the book?
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Cindy, I love the example you found! I agree that the very vivid description of how cold Max is and how cold it is in the basement helps reiterate Papa's argument. I also think it emphasizes the danger that Max is in because of the cold.
ReplyDeleteThe words that the narrator uses to describe thing are so unique. I wonder if it was Zusak's intention to show how the observations that Death makes characterizes him. I took his descriptions as Death paying rapt attention to the lives of those on Himmel Street and since Death has been "alive" forever, he must look at things a little differently. I really like the example that you found because it shows how unique this style is.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that vivid language is even used to put further emphasis on serious situations in the book. As Eliza said, I'm also wondering if the continuous use of figurative language could just be Death's view on things.
ReplyDeleteIceberg is such an interesting way to describe anything other than an actual iceberg. A noun to describe another noun. Weird, but very interesting. Also, I agree that figurative language is used to stress important parts of the book, but there are very unimportant things in the story that have figurative language as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this was a perfect quote to demonstrate the author's use of figurative language throughout the book. I like his use of the word "iceberg," but even other adjectives like "tepid" and "trapped voices."
ReplyDeleteThe description of the voices being trapped, really makes me litterally imagine what voices would be like if they could physically be trapped. It's interesting to step back and really dig in to the detail this book has to offer, keeps me thinking!
ReplyDeleteI really like the quote you picked because it really describes the personality of Max. Max has gone through so much and the fact that he is just able to shower at the Hubermanns was something he was so grateful for. I can really picture the situation that is going on in this section of the book.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, i really like the example you chose. I think that this demonstrates two things. Literally, it is showing how cold life is for Max, cold in temperature and cold in a sad way. Figuratively, it is a great example of the language in the book and really paints a picture of what is going on in the house on Himmel street. You can see Max in the tub and hear the muffled voices of Mr. and Mrs. Hubermann.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with your analysis of the quote, I also think something else about the use of the word "iceberg". It could also signify the chilling state of Jews in Germany, and Max in particular. I think that Max really has suffered, and Zusak has really brought that out through his figurative language.
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