Resistance in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

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Alphonse Elric from Full Metal Alchemist says, "humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost." In the novel, The Book Thief, Markus Zusak portrays the multiple transactions humanity experiences but in return, they put their self at risk for defying others of higher power through some of those transactions. For example, the older character's transactions with people of lower stature, the young adults' dangerous interactions and the children's exchanges with the enemies all defy the Nazi party. Therefore, through their transactions, the characters of all ages show forms for resistance towards the Nazi regime.

First of all, the adults' exchanges with people of lower status shows defiance towards the Nazis. Hans Hubermann is an adult citizen who shows resistance through his acts of kindness towards the Jews. When a parade of Jews march down Himmel street, the surrounding crowd begins to torture and ridicule the Jews. Hans Hubermann suddenly gives walks up to one of the fallen Jews and shows an exchange of bread for a sense of peace and thanks in return. The narrator states,
“the Jew [stands] before him, expecting another handful of derision, but he [watches] with everyone else as Hans Hubermann [holds] his hand out and [presents] a piece of bread, like magic... he [buries] his face between them and thanks him” (Zusak 394). Hans helping the Jew is highly defiant of the Nazi's morals and regulations since Jews are the enemies of the Nazi regime. They are considered the lowest of the low and any form of aid towards them is an offense to the Nazis.
Correspondingly, Ilsa Hermann also demonstrates forms of resistance through her transactions with Liesel. Il...

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... In return, she explains what her own dreams [are] made of” (Zusak 333-334). Liesel exchanging conversations with Max over their dreams defies the Nazis' rules since Max is a Jew and having polite conversations with one is prohibited. Anyone caught having relations any relations to a Jew is a traitor to the Nazi regime. Thus, the kids are opposing the Nazis through their exchanges with the opposition.

In conclusion, the characters of all ages' transactions defy the Nazi party. Evidently, the transactions between the people of lower class and the adults, the young adults' exchanges and the children's transactions with the adversaries portray resistance of the Nazi regime. People can't gain without losing something of their own, whether that be their valuables or their safety. It is up to the people to decide what they are willing to give up in order to achieve.

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