Hyperbole In The Book Thief By Markus Zusak

Markus Zusak uses Hyperbole, in order to enhance imagery for the readers. He uses Hyperbole when he is explaining the fear that runs through the Hubermann home, when they discover the Nazis will be examining their basement. Their hearts were beating so intensely from fear, when they realized their time to efficiently hide Max was over. Zusak over exaggerates their fear by creating an impossible occurrence, which helps readers clearly visualize and understand the intensity of fear that surrounds their home. In conclusion, the author uses hyperbole in order to enhance the fear felt amongst the Hubermann household.

In this quotation, readers have the idea that this scene could very well end badly. The severity of the ending could result where nothing bad happens and the Hubermann’s secret remains, or they can get caught, thrown into jail or given the death sentence. Zusak makes it so the Hubermanns are not prepared for the Nazis visit. The amount of fear they gain from the knock at their door, and the unfinished act of hiding Max, makes the reader further believe that this portion of the text could have negative results. The lack of planning behind the act of keeping Max hidden, keeps the reader hoping that everything will turn out alright. In

conclusion, Zusak makes the Hubermann’s seem unprepared and frightened in order to build suspense at the uncertainty of the outcome of this certain event.

In this quotation, the author reveals that Liesel’s adoptive mom Rosa, is a quick and calm individual in a crisis.

Throughout the text Rosa is portrayed as a rather strict and rude parental figure. Yet, her personality completely alters when she is put into a difficult situation. She is put on the spot to create an idea that will be efficient to hide Max from the Nazis. Hans and Liesel are in panic, while Rosa is able to quickly come up with an idea. Even though, Hans is skeptical of her plan, the situation is potentially leading her to death, and she is able to put the worries aside and focus at the task at hand. Therefore, this quotation shows the reader that Rosa Hubermann is more than a stereotypical mean

mother.

From this quotation readers can inquire that the three Hubermanns have similar and different qualities through conflict. All three of the Hubermann’s remain fearful. Their hearts all beat rapidly, due to the fear that plagues them all. Yet, Rosa is the quickest and calmest out of all three. Despite the fact that she could potentially die if Max is caught, she remains calm and is quick to potential solutions. Hans is shown to be a little more hesitant. He isn’t as easily able to put his worries aside to attack the task, instead he questions Rosa’s ideas, and worries about the flaws. Liesel is shown to make no contributions as she is only a child, and is not experienced in handling fear. She is displayed to be overwhelmed with fearful thoughts, other than helping her parents. Therefore, the three Hubermanns have similar yet different qualities when exposed to conflict.

Corruption of power is very evident within this quotation, as this event would have never occured if one individual did not abuse his power. The only reason the Hubermanns are keeping Max in their basement is due to the Holocaust. If Hitler never used his power negativity to create a genocide towards Jewish individuals, the crisis the Hubermanns are going through would have never occurred. Hitler's corruption of his power is putting Rosa’s and Han’s lives at risk. Too add onto that, many believe that Hitler’s dictatorship was the reason that World War 2 had occurred. If World War 2 had not been a reality, Nazis would have never searched the basements of German residents. Therefore, due to Hitler's corruption of power, he caused a near death crisis for the Hubermanns.