STAGE ONE ENGLISH STUDIES SHARED STUDIES THE BOOK THIEF Introduction: The most dramatic episode in The

he Book Thief was when Max left the Hubermanns house in Peace. This is because at this point, there is a major shift in the direction of the novel. Peace bridges the two different sides of The Book Thief, the joys that happen to Liesels life after living with the Hubermann, and losses she has to endure after Max leaves. Dramatic moments in a novel are one of suspense, of uncertainty and unexpectedness of the future, and dramatic moments that can easily change the course of the novel. The episode of Max leaving the Hubermanns house and the Hubermanns reaction present just that. Setting and Imagery: Max leaving the Hubermann's home is the most dramatic due to the vast use of setting and imagery in it. Zusak immediately creates a auspicious setting in Peace as it is already night at 11 oclock which is also known as the beginning of the 'witching hour'. This coupled by the description of German air in his lungs and yellow stars on fire, create an eerie and uncertain atmosphere to begin with. Zusak even foreshadows the darkness to come in Liesel's life, by the loss of everyone that was close to her. The fire and night together may even represent the future deaths by the bombings that kill everyone but Liesel. The Hubermanns home immediately changes after Max leaves, Zusak uses the imagery of Rosa and Hans becoming crooked bodies and preserved faces, as if the life was sucked out of them, in a way they would be in the near future. The silence in the Hubermanns household signifies the restlessness and doubt not only of the future of Max, but also of Hans, and if the Gestapo would come for him. It is a paronomasia, as silence has disturbed the 'peace' at 33 Himmel Street. The note under a rock, at the base of the tree causes distress, as future of Max Vandenburg is not only known, but also uncertain. Drama is formed by the gloomy atmosphere and powerful imagery. Five senses: Zusak also uses the five senses to instill tension to the episode and create drama. German air was in his lungs introduces a feeling of anxiety from touch, as something foreign was invading Max, and he could do nothing about it, just like the Nazi Party invading and taking away his humanity. Zusak also uses the five senses to reveal character traits. Hans for the first time in the book is not the happy and optimistic man, but one in despair and darkness. As every unit of time was carried with expected noise and threatening words, hearing knocking and threatening words throughout the rest of the episode create paranoia. Zusak creates a bold and alarming visual by making Liesel believe her own hands were soaked to the wrists, with blood because she thought she was to blame for Max leaving. These represent the insecurities of Hans and Liesel in warstricken Germany in WWII, especially the conflict within them to follow what the Nazi Party wishes, or what they believe is right, which is a major dramatic element in the climax of the novel. This is highlighted straightaway when Hans and Liesel question whether Hans giving bread to the man, the right thing to do or not. Literary Techniques: Drama is formed in the episode also with the help of literary techniques such as metaphors and short, sharp sentences to reinforce the conflict within Liesel and Hubermanns and also the unknown end for the characters in the novel. Han's emotions about Max's leaving are summarised by the metaphor 'the kitchen cupboard being the shape of Hans guilt' and he carries this guilt to his death, evidenced by Han's pessimistic attitude throughout the rest of the book. Maxs last words of Youve done enough are a short but vague statement, in which the reader is troubled in understanding what is really me ans. It creates drama, as the true meaning of those words will not be known until the climax of the novel. 'Death' states that Han's 'stupid kindness' was repeated enough times, 'it sticks', referring to being known as a 'Jew-lover' by people and the Nazi Party. This again raised questions over the consequences of people knowing Hans as a 'Jew- lover', which would later be explored, as Hans did not care what people thought of him. Conversations between the Hubermanns' become a couple of words, Are they hereNo Papa its me, representing the distress the Hubermanns are in, especially worrying about Max and Han's future. This is how drama is created through literary techniques. Conclusion: The most dramatic episode in the Book Thief was Max leaving the Hubermanns in Peace, and how Liesel and the Hubermanns react to it in The idiot and the Coat Man. Zusak using setting and vivid imagery to set up to foreshadow the events in the climax. Zusak also uses the five senses to instill tension to the episode and create drama. The use of literary techniques such as metaphors and short sentences, reveal the personal conflicts within each character to also instill drama. This episode really sets up for the climax, ask questions over Max and Han's future and what consequences will fall on Liesel. The drama in this episode changes the plot from a joyful tone to one that is of sorrow and despair.