Resistance in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

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Mahatma Gandhi once said “An unjust law is itself a species of violence. Arrest for its breach is more so. Now the law of nonviolence says that violence should be resisted not by counter-violence but by nonviolence. This I do by breaking the law and by peacefully submitting to arrest and imprisonment.” Markus Zusak’s novel, The Book Thief clearly demonstrates the positive outcome from acts of resistance through exchanges between characters. For instance, Hans displays resistance through his acts of kindness. In addition, Max’s courageous actions portray defiance. Lastly, Liesel uses the power of books and words to defy the Fascistic beliefs. Through exchanges between characters, acts of resistance against the Nazi regime are performed.
First of all, Hans displays acts of resistance through his kind hearted demeanour. For instance, Hans helps discriminated Jews; as he demonstrates his defiance against the Nazi Regime. Hans gives a Jew a slice of bread, and as he perseveres to continue with his journey to the concentration camps, (a personified) Death describes, “The Jew [stands] before him, expecting another handful of derision, but he [watches] with everyone else as Hans Hubberman [holds] his hand out and [presents] a piece of breed, like magic” (Zusak 394). Like Death describes, Hans impulsively resists the Nazi Party through the act of helping Jews. He provides the man with hope, allowing him to continue with his journey despite Germany’s bigotry.
Likewise, Hans brings happiness to all those around by defying Hitler’s strict system and cheerless Germany through his music. Hans plays an accordion gifted to him by a Jew as stated by Death, “…he [plays] the accordion in the kitchen. A promise was a promise. There [is] music, soup...

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...ook from a fire, during Hitler’s birthday celebration, Death narrates, “Smoke [lifts] from the cover as she [juggles] it and [hurries] away…the sick beauty of nerves proved more shortly with each stride” (Zusak 120). Thus, his impression of Liesel’s act of thievery demonstrates her animosity towards the oppressor. Stealing is her way of getting revenge on her enemy (Hitler), to take back what he destroyed (her family). Undoubtedly, the verbal and physical acts of Liesel Memminger demonstrate her opposition against fascism.
In conclusion, transactions between characters display acts of resistance against the Nazi regime. Zusak uses transaction between Max, Hans and Liesel to display resistance in the story. Silent resistance are used by revolutionaries in order to take a stand against freedom and against human discrimination, as seen similarly in The Book Thief.

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