The Book Thief Language and Communication Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

The world talked it over. Newspaper headlines reveled in it. The Führer's voice roared from German radios. We will not give up. We will not rest. We will be victorious. Our time has come. (12.6-8)

This refers to Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939. We put it under this theme because it points to the importance of communication technology to the Nazis' techniques.

Quote #5

He slapped Liesel Meminger squarely in the face. (19.23)

This is Hans, in a rare moment of violence. Hans does not hit Liesel in anger, but because he wants to communicate the seriousness of her situation. Saying such a thing within the hearing of the wrong person could mean a death sentence. Hans is also motivated by the knowledge that he'll soon, if things go as planned, be hiding a Jew in his home. In which case, such statements would be doubly risky. Could he have found a way to impress this upon Liesel without violence?

Quote #6

"When death captures me," the boy vowed, "he will feel my fist in his face." (31.26)

This is young Max communicating his desire to live. This fighting spirit probably has a lot to do with his ultimate survival.