The Book Thief Essay Example for Free

The Book Thief Essay One of the main themes of the Book Thief is how the use of words, for good or for evil, can change everything. His choice to use Death as a narrator was a great idea, as Death watches, and can describe from many points of view what he sees, and his use of words is very powerful. Markus Zusak uses metaphors and some personification to paint a picture of Nazi Germany. With his powerful descriptions, the setting is easy to visualize. As an example, on p. 7, Death describes Himmel street as â€Å"buildings appear to be glued together, mostly small houses and apartment blocks that look nervous. There is murky snow spread out like carpet. There is concrete, empty hat-stand trees, and gray air†. With this description, the reader can infer that Himmel streets buildings are crowded in together, the trees are bare and leafless, and that the day is cold and gray. Using imagery, Markus Zusak has created a clear picture of Nazi Germany. Words can be used in good ways, to bring peace and happiness to peoples hearts, if they are spoken correctly. Markus Zusak conveys this idea throughout the book, with the little stories Max writes for Liesel, and the weather reports Liesel gives to Max every day. Markus Zusak even shows how books, or rather the words in them, can make a person feel happy or upset. On p. 134, Markus Zusak describes Liesels love for books with â€Å"There were all different styles and sizes of lettering on the spines of the black, the red, the gray, the every-colored books. It was one of the most beautiful things Liesel Meminger had ever seen. Markus Zusak also conveys how words can be used for good, when Liesel is describing the weather to Max. Her words cheer him up. On p. 249, Liesel says, â€Å"The sky is blue today, Max, and there is a big long cloud, and its stretched out, like a rope. At the end of it, the sun is like a yellow hole. † Weather reports such as these throughout the story often make Max happy, even in his situation. Markus Zusak also stresses the idea that words can be used for evil. In the book, Max writes a story, â€Å"the Word Shaker† beginning on p. 445. An excerpt from this story is, â€Å"Hed seen a mother walking with her child. At one point, she admonished the small boy, until finally, he began to cry. Within a few minutes, she spoke very softly to him, after which he was soothed and even smiled. The young man rushed to the woman and embraced her. Words! He grinned. † The Fuhrer has decided that he will rule the world, using the power of words to fulfill his evil desires. Through the use of metaphors, imagery, and symbolism, Markus Zusak shows the power of words, and how they affect individuals, and even the whole world.

Chaucers Views Exposed in The Canterbury Tales Essay -- Canterbury Ta

Chaucer's Views Exposed in The Canterbury Tales    The Canterbury Tales were written and pieced together in the late 1380's, early 1390's.   The author of the book is Geoffrey Chaucer.   When considering the structure of the tales, one can deduce that they were put together using Framework Narrative, a very unique style of writing.   The opening prologue speaks of 29 pilgrims, including Chaucer, who are all on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. All of them are seeking a certain shrine for spiritual cleansing, and relief.   The journey was to be long, but in the end it would all be worth it.   Chaucer's social views and prejudices are revealed through his description of the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Chaucer presents a very positive picture of the pilgrims in the ruling class.   For example, when describing the personality of the Knight, he refers to him as being honorable, truthful, chivalrous, courteous, brave, and gentle.   Two quotes that stood out when searching for the positive qualities of the Knight were:     ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "He was a true and perfect gentle Knight."(Chaucer Pg. 2-Line 15)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "He had never yet in all his life spoken discourteously to anybody." (Chaucer Pg. 2-Line 14)    Chaucer also builds up the Squire, the Knights son in a similar way.   He says that the squire is remarkably agile, strong, joyful, courteous, helpful, and humble.   Two quotes that were quite noticeable when searching for the positive qualities of the Squire were:     ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "His cloak was short, with long, wide sleeves, and he sat his horse well and rode excellently."(Chaucer Pg. 2-Line 30)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "He could compose the words and music for songs, joust and also dance, and draw and write very well."(Ch... ...orm them.         Works Cited and Consulted: Brewer, Derek. Tradition and Innovation in Chaucer. London: Macmillan, 1982. Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Pp. 3-328. In the Riverside Chaucer. Larry D. Benson, ed. Boston: Houghton, 1987. Cooper, Helen. "The Shape-shiftings of the Wife of Bath, 1395-1670." Pp. 168-184. In Chaucer Traditions: Studies in Honour of Derek Brewer. Ruth Morse and Barry Windeatt, eds. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1990. Delasanta, Rodney. "Nominalism and the 'Clerk's Tale' Revisited." Chaucer Review 31.3 (1997), 209-231. Hallissy, Margaret. Clean Maids, True Wives, Steadfast Widows: Chaucer's Women and Medieval Codes of Conduct. Connecticut: Greenwood, 1993. Saul, Nigel. "Chaucer and Gentility." Pp. 41-58. In Chaucer's England. Barbara A. Hanawalt, ed. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 1992.    Chaucer's Views Exposed in The Canterbury Tales Essay -- Canterbury Ta Chaucer's Views Exposed in The Canterbury Tales    The Canterbury Tales were written and pieced together in the late 1380's, early 1390's.   The author of the book is Geoffrey Chaucer.   When considering the structure of the tales, one can deduce that they were put together using Framework Narrative, a very unique style of writing.   The opening prologue speaks of 29 pilgrims, including Chaucer, who are all on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. All of them are seeking a certain shrine for spiritual cleansing, and relief.   The journey was to be long, but in the end it would all be worth it.   Chaucer's social views and prejudices are revealed through his description of the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Chaucer presents a very positive picture of the pilgrims in the ruling class.   For example, when describing the personality of the Knight, he refers to him as being honorable, truthful, chivalrous, courteous, brave, and gentle.   Two quotes that stood out when searching for the positive qualities of the Knight were:     ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "He was a true and perfect gentle Knight."(Chaucer Pg. 2-Line 15)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "He had never yet in all his life spoken discourteously to anybody." (Chaucer Pg. 2-Line 14)    Chaucer also builds up the Squire, the Knights son in a similar way.   He says that the squire is remarkably agile, strong, joyful, courteous, helpful, and humble.   Two quotes that were quite noticeable when searching for the positive qualities of the Squire were:     ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "His cloak was short, with long, wide sleeves, and he sat his horse well and rode excellently."(Chaucer Pg. 2-Line 30)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚   "He could compose the words and music for songs, joust and also dance, and draw and write very well."(Ch... ...orm them.         Works Cited and Consulted: Brewer, Derek. Tradition and Innovation in Chaucer. London: Macmillan, 1982. Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Pp. 3-328. In the Riverside Chaucer. Larry D. Benson, ed. Boston: Houghton, 1987. Cooper, Helen. "The Shape-shiftings of the Wife of Bath, 1395-1670." Pp. 168-184. In Chaucer Traditions: Studies in Honour of Derek Brewer. Ruth Morse and Barry Windeatt, eds. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1990. Delasanta, Rodney. "Nominalism and the 'Clerk's Tale' Revisited." Chaucer Review 31.3 (1997), 209-231. Hallissy, Margaret. Clean Maids, True Wives, Steadfast Widows: Chaucer's Women and Medieval Codes of Conduct. Connecticut: Greenwood, 1993. Saul, Nigel. "Chaucer and Gentility." Pp. 41-58. In Chaucer's England. Barbara A. Hanawalt, ed. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 1992.   

Power Struggle Between Hamlet and Claudius Essay

By the end of Act II, of Hamlet, the power struggle between Hamlet and Claudius has heightened. Claudius, the current king of Denmark is constantly on edge. The question comes into play, does Hamlet know of his uncle’s actions prior to taking the throne and his intentions for Hamlet. Hamlet however, is deeply despaired by the sudden death of his father and the incestuous marriage of his mother. The ghost of his father appears to Hamlet, telling him to avenge a murder. With Hamlet’s negative view of his uncle it is plausible that this â€Å"ghost† is just a figment of his imagination, an excuse for Hamlet’s hatred toward his uncle. So, who has the upper hand at this point? Claudius who has just murdered his brother, is a coward in confrontation, and is insecure with Hamlet being out of his sight, or Hamlet who, in grieving, is approached by a ghost, possibly goes insane, but is still able to carefully plot against the king. Hamlet is depressed over his father’s death. Throughout the beginning of the play he wears nothing but black. His mother also marries shortly after his father’s death. This changes his outlook on woman. In his soliloquy, â€Å"Frailty, thy name is woman,† he contests his mother for being weak. Hamlet sees the ghost of his deceased father dressed in armor. His father wants Hamlet to avenge the serpent that poisoned him. Hamlet sees the ghost dressed in armor as an omen; even a spirit doesn’t feel safe in Denmark. Hamlet is aware that Claudius is using Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on him. He devises a plot where he is to act mad so that those around him might reveal information about his father’s death. He also, plans to prove Claudius’ guilt through a play in which a nephew kills his uncle. Hamlet views himself as a coward because of his inability to act, but he must way out the consequences if Claudius is truly innocent Hamlet will be persecuted for treason. Claudius has murdered his brother and married his â€Å"sister†. As king he has proved to be a coward in times of war. Claudius chose to write letters to Norway begging the king to halt further action by Fortinbras. Claudius has asked Hamlet to stay in Denmark, so that he could watch over him. He is insecure with his reign; Claudius is fearful that Hamlet could seize the crown from him. He has asked Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to pretend to be friendly to Hamlet to find the source of his madness. By the end of Act II, Hamlet has the upper hand in the power struggle between him and the king. Claudius is fearful of Hamlet even before Hamlet devises his plan, he will soon be sent over the edge. Hamlet has the most to lose; he cannot approach the kind without evidence because he will be tried for treason. Also, Hamlet is aware of his flaws. He says that the ghost could’ve have been contracted in his mind. Also, by calling himself a coward he is aware that he is procrastinating. Hamlet shows evidence as a leader in his cunning ability to gather information before he acts. He is aware that he is going through hardships and wishes to have concrete evidence, instead of acting out of instinct.

The Conduct of British Generals in World War One Essay

The Conduct of British Generals in World War One In 1914 the First World War, or the Great War, broke out in Europe. It involved the two main alliances of Europe at the time; one alliance was the triple entente with Germany, Austro-Hungary and Serbia, the other alliance, the triple alliances, had Britain, France and Russia creating a ring of steel around Germany. This war of attrition was to take the lives of 8.5 million combatants and would change the way warfare was conducted and portrayed forever, it would involve 65 million men from 30 countries around the globe and Russia and America would emerge as the two great superpowers of the 20th century. After the war there would be great criticism of†¦show more content†¦During the battle of Verdun British artillery started to fire upon British infantry during an attack causing heavy casualties. These were all seen as foolish acts and it was shown, and still is shown, in various pieces of literature. In source C it shows the enormity of the killing at the Somme and the dif ferences in losses between the two sides. It was written by John keegan, who is a qualified historian and there shouldnt be any reason for bias on his part and in this source he does contain many facts to support his views so it is quite a reliable source. On the other hand the generals could not have been tactically inept and blind to the minimal gains that some attacks were having because as the war progressed new tactics and innovative ways of attacking were brought to the front line and used with great effect. Ideas like the rolling barrage where men would creep behind shells that were continually firing while inching forward, another idea was night attacks where men would attack enemy positionsShow MoreRelatedEssay about American Success in Achieving Independence1517 Words   |  7 Pagesindependence due more to General Washington’s strategic skill or to British blunders? 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