Ilsa Hermann - The Book Thief Character Essay
Character Essay – Ilsa Hermann, The Book Thief
Ilsa Hermann is a minor character in The Book Thief. She is the wife of the mayor of Munich, and is suffering over the death of her son during World War II. Without Ilsa the book would be missing an important theme – the impacts of death. Ilsa is an interesting and significant character because she is unusual, she does not follow any stereotypes and it is through her that Markus Zusak conveys grief.
Firstly, Ilsa remains quiet most of the time, which makes her an engaging character because it gives the impression that she may be secretive. Throughout Liesel’s visits to the library and the usual washing pick up, Ilsa barely says a word. The first time Ilsa shows Liesel the library, it is communicated through actions –such as nods and gestures- rather than Ilsa speaking her suggestion. The book depicts her sitting, watching the books and only after a few pages of describing the thrill of the library does Ilsa stutter a full sentence – “He is nothing now in this world.” (pg.157) However, her first uttered dialogue appears 100 pages after her first appearance. The author’s reasoning for Ilsa’s silence is not quite clear, but it is possible for readers to believe it may be because of her determination to suffer for her son’s death.
Ilsa is an interesting character because she decides to make suffering her triumph – to make grief her victory. She is a character who instead of taking her life, elects to triumph over death; she may be lifeless in spirit but she will not let herself slip under death’s robe. In this case, the author has given the reader an insight to the after effects of dealing with death – “She could have shot herself, scratched herself or indulged in other forms of self-mutilation, but she chose what she probably felt was the weakest option – to at least endure the discomfort of the weather.”(pg. 158) This also brings the reader to wonder whether Ilsa may have been different in personality and
Ilsa Hermann is a minor character in The Book Thief. She is the wife of the mayor of Munich, and is suffering over the death of her son during World War II. Without Ilsa the book would be missing an important theme – the impacts of death. Ilsa is an interesting and significant character because she is unusual, she does not follow any stereotypes and it is through her that Markus Zusak conveys grief.
Firstly, Ilsa remains quiet most of the time, which makes her an engaging character because it gives the impression that she may be secretive. Throughout Liesel’s visits to the library and the usual washing pick up, Ilsa barely says a word. The first time Ilsa shows Liesel the library, it is communicated through actions –such as nods and gestures- rather than Ilsa speaking her suggestion. The book depicts her sitting, watching the books and only after a few pages of describing the thrill of the library does Ilsa stutter a full sentence – “He is nothing now in this world.” (pg.157) However, her first uttered dialogue appears 100 pages after her first appearance. The author’s reasoning for Ilsa’s silence is not quite clear, but it is possible for readers to believe it may be because of her determination to suffer for her son’s death.
Ilsa is an interesting character because she decides to make suffering her triumph – to make grief her victory. She is a character who instead of taking her life, elects to triumph over death; she may be lifeless in spirit but she will not let herself slip under death’s robe. In this case, the author has given the reader an insight to the after effects of dealing with death – “She could have shot herself, scratched herself or indulged in other forms of self-mutilation, but she chose what she probably felt was the weakest option – to at least endure the discomfort of the weather.”(pg. 158) This also brings the reader to wonder whether Ilsa may have been different in personality and