Conflict in Context

Power, Place and Resistance in Zusak’s The Book Thief.

Abstract

The chosen text is The Book Thief, set in Nazi Germany. The book explores themes of conflict, mortality, and the power of words, set against the backdrop of World War II. The main character, Lisel, is travelling to Munich to be sent to live with foster parents while the war is ongoing. The book is narrated by Death, which offers a different perspective on the story, providing a philosophical view on the morality of human life and the tragedies that lead to these conflicts. The theme of conflict and the control of a place arises when a situation can only be managed through conflict. This could involve conflicts among people, such as wars or other forms of struggle. The text perfectly describes the conflicts of inner human life and how conflict can hold a place in the narrative throughout the novel, creating that power.