Literary elements help to make up a story; for this reason they are extremely important. The elements of literature, are the ground beneath the feet of a story. In The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak, the literary element, man versus society, plays an extremely detrimental role in the story. Almost every character, goes through some form of man versus society conflict during the story. Some of the characters that are most affected by this are; Liesel, Max, Rudy, and Hans. The Book Thief, uses man versus society to show; its complex meaning, forcing the characters to adapt their surroundings, and causing the characters to rebel against their government. It is for this reason that man versus society is the most important form of conflict. To begin, man versus society as a conflict, is often used to bring depth to a story. It allows the reader to see how the character defies a countless number of things. This form of conflict shows how a character develops, and how one thing quickly turns into another. For instance, in The Book Thief, when Liesel steals her first book, it is out of remembrance for her family, but the second book is about her defiance against Hitler. While the acts of Leisel seem very miniscule, they prove to be life altering for her. Man versus society is only one of four different types of conflict, but is certainly the most important. In addition, the conflict of man versus society, is often portrayed as characters having to adapt to their new surroundings. One character who is most influenced by this is Leisel. In the very beginning of the book, she suffers a great loss and must struggle to make a new life for herself. This takes some time, but she eventually succeeds in doing so. One of her most triumphant breakthroughs, comes from when she finally starts to identify with her foster family. Death, the narrator of the story, describes the scene by saying, “He looked over at Leisel and winked. She would have no trouble calling him Papa” (Zusak 35). Leisel is finally able to let go of what she once knew and welcome her new life. Although it seems very petty, it is her way of beating the new society that she has so abruptly been introduced to. To add on, the most frequently seen form of man versus society in The Book Thief, occurs when characters rebel against their government. Liesel, Hans, Max, and Rudy, all rebel or contradict their governing body, in small ways that seem powerful to them. Liesel steals books, Hans helps jews, Max rebels Hitler just by living, and Rudy wishes to be something that is not allowed.
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It shows the growth and development of a character, as well as the trying approach to defiance. While a number of characters go through this conflict, the four of them that truly stand out are Leisel, Hams, Max, and Rudy. These characters face many challenges in order to get where they are and all share one thing in common, they don't agree with their government. In The Book Thief , man vs society conflict is like watching a boxing match where the smaller opponent only gives weak punches, but is able to rally up the crowd, because of their determination. To conclude, man versus society is extremely important and is one of the most important parts of a
It shows the growth and development of a character, as well as the trying approach to defiance. While a number of characters go through this conflict, the four of them that truly stand out are Leisel, Hams, Max, and Rudy. These characters face many challenges in order to get where they are and all share one thing in common, they don't agree with their government. In The Book Thief , man vs society conflict is like watching a boxing match where the smaller opponent only gives weak punches, but is able to rally up the crowd, because of their determination. To conclude, man versus society is extremely important and is one of the most important parts of a