Exploring Death’s Mind 

Upon first impression, the narrator of Markus Zusak's The Book Thief might be thought of as an ominous figure, but throughout the novel he attempts to present himself otherwise. He displays many human characteristics and ultimately shows that he has a heart. His tone throughout the novel almost seems to be hopeful as he follows the life of a girl named Liesel Meminger. The irony of Death narrating the life of a young girl and the distinctness of the tone of the narration brings a unique perspective to the novel.

Death allows the reader access to see past the souls of the people dying and allows them to interpret death in a less fearful way.

Death is unappreciated and feared, especially during these chaotic times in Germany. When the children of age were being drafted into war, Death was the collective unspoken fear within the families. Zusak’s personification of this widely unspoken reality helps the reader understand the novel better as it establishes a way to deliver details of occurrences in a distinct viewpoint.

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It is clear that Death tries to be optimistic about the topic, but isn’t confided by others. He says, “I am in all truthfulness attempting to be cheerful about this whole topic, though most people find themselves hindered in believing me, no matter my protestations” (3). Death is different in many ways and the fact that Zusak titled the first chapter “Death and Chocolate,” speaks to his thought process of presenting Death as a more amiable character.

Those two contrasting words never seem to be paired with each other, especially since chocolate signifies a hint of life and jubilance, and death signifies the termination of life. This once again speaks to the unique portrayal Zusak illustrates throughout the novel.

Death introduces different views on the phenomenon of death, and allows the reader to visualize life in Germany in the 1940s through a different and compelling lens. For example, he analogizes dying, to “handing souls to the conveyor belt of eternity” (23). This is a unique perspective to the idea of death, which is most commonly conceptualized as the ending of life rather than something that will last forever. Death’s conception of death seems to be hopeful, which speaks to his tone throughout the novel. Death also shows that he is capable of being friendly in his line, “The cemetery welcomed me as a friend” (23). The word friend is important in this sentence, especially since Death would never be considered to be anyone’s friend. Finally, Death attempts to prove that he is similar to humans. This is implied when he talks about the similar way us humans, and he would pronounce the word Molching; “Quite a way beyond the outskirts of Munich, there was a town called Molching, said best by the likes of you and me as “Molking”” (26).

By the end of the novel, Death helps people understand how souls are encapsulated with their experiences. Zusak elucidates that Death carries one’s soul away for a reason, and portrays the experience of Death in an unusual way. Death attempts to reveal the unknown complexity of his character throughout the novel, such as his friendliness, humanness, and hopefulness. He adds an interesting perspective and element to the novel, one that wouldn’t exist if the narrator was someone else. Finally, one’s perception of Death can most definitely be altered by reading and connecting with his thoughts and experiences.