How Liesel’s Actions Place Her and Others in Dangerous Situations in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Reluctance or stubbornness in ending impulsive actions can have consequences. In the Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Liesel Meminger’s inability to halt her dangerous habits put her and others’ lives in dangerous situations. Three main examples of Liesel’s dangerous activities are when she steals books, when she demonstrates kindness at improper times, and when she disrespects others for her own selfish reasons. In all these examples, there is always one moment where Liesel places her or others in harm’s way and narrowly escapes punishment.
Every time Liesel steals books from people, she consistently places the lives of others at risk. An example of this is when Liesel is worried about Max dying and wants to steal a book and read it to him in hope that he will get better. Stealing books is her stubborn addiction. In addition, she is accompanied by Rudy, endangering his life as well. The mayor could have easily informed the police about Liesel stealing his books and she would have been severely punished. This danger, which Liesel takes just to get what she wants, is proven when her best friend Rudy Steiner says, “You didn’t go in for food, did you? You got what you wanted…” (Page 289). The quote demonstrates how Liesel would do anything just to get a book, even if it meant lying to her friend and putting them both in danger. Another example of Liesel dangerous book-stealing habit is during the bonfire where the books were being burnt. This part is very early on in the novel and is where Liesel steals her second book, The Shoulder Shrug. Stealing at the bonfire was extremely dangerous as these books were meant to be destroyed. Anyone caught trying to remove one of these books would have been severely punished or lashed. The severity o...

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... Liesel’s family would have also been affected. It is times like this where Liesel should have learned to control her actions towards those more powerful than her as she and those around her could have been punished.
It is clear that Liesel is a character for which her stubbornness and reluctance to discontinue bad actions places her and others in dangerous situations. Her habit of stealing books, her misinterpreted kindness towards Max, and her attitude towards seniors and officials are all examples of Liesel’s defiance to do whatever she pleases regardless of the consequences or dangers. Had Liesel been less stubborn and listened to her elders more, she would have been in much less danger and people around her would be safe as well. Therefore, thinking before acting upon impulse is extremely important – it ensures what you do does not endanger yourself or others.