Sunday, March 8, 2009
Setting
The setting of The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany in 1939. This is partly before World War II, and partly during the war. I think that this setting is able to add more of a sense of seriousness and mystery. Already having Death being the narrator, the setting of this book creates an even more immersive and interesting story to read. World War II is in my opinion, the most interesting war to have occurred so far, so this is able to make the book much more gripping, and engaging than it already was. I think that the novel would be much less interesting, and really would not be able to be as good as it is without the setting being Nazi Germany during this World War. Many of the events in the book, mainly the different books that Liesel steals, are impacted greatly by the mysteriousness of the war, and the secrecy that Liesel must remain under. Also, things like Hans taking in Max would be of no significance without the setting of this war. I am very glad that Zusak chose Nazi Germany as the setting, because it adds so much to the story. I am still enjoying this book a lot, and I think that it is because of Death being the narrator, and the setting of WWII.
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I agree with you for sure Andy, WWII is one of the most fascinating and yet grotesque wars that our world has seen yet. As Death had sad around page 110 or so, 40 million people had deaths linked to that war.
ReplyDeleteTo be totally honest with you, I wouldn't have even bothered to read this book if it was not set in Nazi Germany during WWII. There's just something about that time period that is mesmerizing but tragic.
I agree that Nazi Germany as the setting adds a lot to the story. I also think that you are right in saying that if the setting had been different, the story would be a lot less intriguing. You brought up a good point about Hans and Max having no significance without this setting because that whole part of the story would really work anywhere else or under any other circumstances. I am also enjoying this book and agree that the narration being through the eyes of death does influence that a lot!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that with war in the setting otherwise certain events would have no significance. Even the fact that the story takes place in Germany changes the story. Rudy painting himself black trying to become a black athlete would have been viewed as strange in America, where in Germany it could be dangerous
ReplyDeleteI definately agree that Nazi Germany as the setting adds importance to the novel. Liesel's life would have been completely different if she hadn't had to move far away from her real mother at the beginning of the novel, if her family hadn't been hiding a Jew in the Basement, or if they didn't have to experience the terrifying air raid warnings. All of these things significantly changed Liesel's life, and all of them were caused by the fact that this was Nazi Germany.
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