In Markus Zusak’s novel The Book Thief, there are several characters whose actions lead to the loss of life, embodying the grim realities of war. However, the primary ‘killers’ can be interpreted in different ways.
Firstly, we have the Nazis, represented by various characters in the story such as Hans Hubermann’s former friend, the soldier who embodies the regime’s brutality. The terror of Nazi Germany and its oppressive policies are indirectly responsible for countless deaths, transforming ordinary lives into tragic tales.
Secondly, personal choices and circumstances also play a role in the concept of ‘killing.’ For example, the character of Rudy Steiner, while not a killer, shares profound moments of conflict and loss that illustrate the impact of societal violence on individuals.
Lastly, Death, who narrates the story, serves as a symbolic figure representing the inevitability of death during those tumultuous times. Death collects souls, acts as an omnipresent force, and highlights the fragility of life amidst the chaos of war.
Thus, the ‘killers’ encompass both the literal and metaphorical: from the regime that enacts violence to the narrative certainty of Death, underscoring the profound effects of conflict on human existence.