(2025 Edition) Literacy as a Lifeline: An Existential Reading of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief

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29 Jul 2025

Amirhosein Mahdavi
Professor Darzinejad
Research Methodology
30 January 2025

Literacy as a Lifeline: An Existential Reading of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief

(Revised Edition, 2025)

This study offers an existential reading of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, centering on Viktor Frankl’s concept of logos as articulated in Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankl asserts that human beings discover meaning through creative acts, love, and adopting a resilient attitude toward unavoidable suffering. This study argues that Liesel Meminger, the protagonist of The Book Thief, turns to literacy and storytelling as her lifeline, finding meaning and purpose in the face of pervasive suffering and death. Drawing on Viktor Frankl’s concept of logos, the analysis shows how Liesel’s creative acts of reading and storytelling, her love for those around her, and her defiant attitude toward inevitable suffering together sustain her will to meaning.
Ultimately, this paper contends that The Book Thief is not merely a historical narrative, but a powerful exploration of how storytelling and literacy enable individuals to find meaning and resist despair amidst suffering and mortality. Through an existential lens, the novel reveals how acts of reading and writing become tools of survival in a dehumanizing world. By foregrounding the protagonist’s creative acts and resilient spirit, it underscores literature’s enduring role in sustaining purpose when confronted with adversity and existential threat.

Keywords: The Book Thief, existential reading, Viktor Frankl, logos, meaning, literacy, storytelling, resilience, suffering, mortality

Introduction

Plot Overview: The Book Thief and Its Historical Setting

Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, a figure who observes human suffering with a blend of detachment and compassion. Through Death’s perspective, the reader meets Liesel Meminger, a young girl sent to live with her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, on Himmel Street in Molching. Liesel’s journey begins tragically with the death of her brother, Werner, during their train ride — a loss that profoundly shapes her emotional world throughout the novel. At Werner’s graveside, Liesel impulsively steals her first book, The Grave Digger’s Handbook, despite being unable to read at the time (Zusak, Prologue). This moment initiates her complex relationship with literacy and storytelling.
Hans Hubermann, a gentle and compassionate man, becomes a father figure to Liesel and teaches her to read using The Grave Digger’s Handbook. Rosa, though gruff and short-tempered, shows her love in her own way. Liesel befriends Rudy Steiner, her adventurous and fiercely loyal neighbor, whose innocent affection for Liesel adds a layer of tenderness and heartbreak to the narrative. Rudy’s repeated attempts to get Liesel to kiss him, which she always refuses, symbolize their enduring friendship amid the chaos of war (Zusak, pt. 1).
As Liesel learns to read, her fascination with books deepens, and she begins stealing them. Her first deliberate theft occurs at a Nazi book burning when she snatches The Shoulder Shrug, an act of quiet rebellion against the regime. Hans warns her of the dangers of her actions but supports her growing love for literature, recognizing its power to comfort and empower her during difficult times. Liesel’s reading becomes a source of solace and connection, especially as the horrors of Nazi Germany intensify (Zusak, pt. 2).
A pivotal moment in the story is the arrival of Max Vandenburg, a Jewish man seeking refuge with the Hubermanns. Hans, honoring a promise to Max’s father, hides him in their basement. Max and Liesel form a deep bond, united by their shared nightmares and love for words. Max creates a book for Liesel, The Standover Man, illustrating his gratitude and the power of storytelling to forge human connections even in dire circumstances (Zusak, pt. 4).
As the war escalates, the lives of the characters grow increasingly precarious. During air raids on Molching, residents are forced into bomb shelters, where Liesel reads aloud to comfort and calm her neighbors. Her voice transforms fear into a sense of unity, showing how literature can offer hope and resilience in times of despair. At the same time, Hans faces severe consequences for a quiet act of compassion: offering bread to a starving Jewish prisoner during a forced march (Zusak, pt. 7). Meanwhile, Rudy is subjected to the rigid demands of the Hitler Youth—an organization designed to indoctrinate German boys with Nazi ideology and train them for future military service—placing him in situations that test his values and loyalty (Zusak, pt. 5).
Liesel’s book thefts continue, driven not only by her thirst for knowledge but also as acts of resistance against Nazi censorship. She begins stealing books from the mayor’s library, where she discovers a new world of stories that expand her understanding of humanity. These thefts are not merely for personal gain but represent her rebellion against the oppressive regime that seeks to silence voices and ideas (Zusak, pt. 4).
Tragedy strikes when Himmel Street is bombed, killing Hans, Rosa, Rudy, and nearly everyone Liesel loves. Liesel survives because she had been writing her story in the basement during the raid. After the bombing, Death finds her discarded notebook, The Book Thief, and carries it with him, later revealing that he read it many times and was haunted by her story. He shares it with the reader as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit. (Zusak, pt. 10).
The novel concludes with an older Liesel living in Australia, reflecting on her past and the people who shaped her life. Death, who carries her story, offers the final reflection: “I am haunted by humans” (Zusak, Epilogue). Through Liesel’s journey, The Book Thief explores themes of loss, survival, and the transformative power of words, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of how individuals find meaning in even the darkest of times.

Statement of the Problem

           While The Book Thief has been extensively analyzed through narratological and historical lenses, relatively little attention has been paid to the psychological dimensions of its characters and their existential struggles, particularly through the lens of Viktor Frankl’s theories, which posit that the primary human drive is to find meaning, and that this meaning is discovered through creative acts, love, and adopting a resilient attitude toward unavoidable suffering (“The Essence of Existence”). Frankl’s key concepts—freedom of will, the will to meaning, and the transformative potential of suffering—offer a compelling framework for understanding how individuals navigate existential crises. This study examines how the protagonist, Liesel Meminger, finds literacy and storytelling to be her central source of purpose and meaning. Through a close reading of Liesel’s psychological development, this research illustrates how her engagement with literature functions both as an assertion of agency and as a path toward existential fulfillment. By applying Frankl’s theories, this study seeks to uncover new layers of psychological and philosophical depth in the novel, contributing to a richer understanding of how meaning can be discovered and sustained amid trauma and adversity.

Research Questions

1.     How does Liesel Meminger’s relationship with reading and storytelling reflect her pursuit of meaning amid the suffering and loss she endures?
2.     In what ways do Frankl’s concepts of the will to meaning, freedom of will, and the transformative power of suffering provide insight into Liesel’s psychological and moral development?
3.     How does The Book Thief portray the role of creative expression and human connection as mechanisms for confronting and transcending existential challenges?

Methodology: Franklian Existential Psychology

Viktor Emil Frankl (1905–1997), an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, is a pivotal figure in existential psychology. Born in Vienna, Frankl showed early interest in medicine, particularly in psychiatry, focusing on the prevention of depression and suicide. His life took a harrowing turn during World War II when he and his family were deported to Nazi concentration camps (“The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica”). Frankl’s experiences in Auschwitz and other camps profoundly shaped his philosophy, as he observed how some prisoners maintained a sense of purpose despite the unimaginable suffering. These observations culminated in his seminal work, Man’s Search for Meaning, a profound exploration of human resilience and the pursuit of meaning. According to Frankl, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose” (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”).
Frankl’s Theory of Logos, central to his logotherapy framework, is grounded in the existentialist tradition but distinguishes itself through its emphasis on the therapeutic potential of meaning. Logos, derived from the Greek term for "word" or "reason," signifies the fundamental human drive to discover purpose. Frankl argues that “we can discover this meaning in life in three dif- ferent ways: (1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering” (“The Essence of Existence”). He posits that meaning is not imposed externally but must be discovered individually in response to life’s unique challenges (The Meaning of Life).
While existentialist thinkers like Sartre emphasized radical freedom, Frankl extended the conversation to explore how freedom intertwines with responsibility and purpose. His experiences in the camps illuminated his belief that even in the most dehumanizing conditions, individuals retain the ability to choose their attitudes and find meaning. This notion aligns with Nietzsche’s proclamation: “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how” (Twilight of the Idols, sec. 12). Frankl extended this idea by asserting that meaning is often discovered in moments of suffering, transforming adversity into an opportunity for growth (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”).
The intellectual and historical context of Frankl’s work highlights the widespread existential vacuum of post-war Europe. This vacuum, characterized by a pervasive sense of purposelessness, resonated deeply with the disillusioned societies of the mid-20th century. Frankl’s contributions bridged existentialist philosophy and psychotherapy, providing a framework for addressing the psychological consequences of this vacuum. In the broader tradition of existential thought, thinkers like Rollo May and Irvin D. Yalom further demonstrated how existentialist principles could be applied in therapeutic settings.
This research employs logotherapy’s three core principles—freedom of will, the will to meaning, and meaning in suffering—as its primary analytical framework. These principles are particularly useful for examining how individuals navigate existential crises and construct meaning through their choices, actions, and relationships. For example, Frankl’s emphasis on creative values underscores how engagement with meaningful activities or relationships can transform suffering into an opportunity for personal growth. The study situates this analysis within the broader tradition of existentialism, exploring how philosophical insights on human freedom, responsibility, and meaning inform the psychological dimensions of resilience.
By integrating existentialism and logotherapy, this research aims to offer a nuanced understanding of how the pursuit of meaning enables individuals to endure suffering and assert their agency. Frankl’s ideas, grounded in his lived experiences and rigorous scholarship, provide a timeless framework for analyzing human behavior and resilience. This study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the relevance of existentialist philosophy in contemporary contexts, emphasizing the transformative potential of meaning in the face of life’s challenges.

Critical Analysis: An Existential Reading of The Book Thief

The Role of Meaning in Viktor Frankl’s Theory of Logos

Viktor Frankl’s Theory of Logos, central to his logotherapy framework, emphasizes the pursuit of meaning as the fundamental human drive. Unlike Freud’s pleasure principle or Adler’s will to power, Frankl argues that “Man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life” (“The Meaning of Suffering”). Frankl argues that life’s meaning lies in fulfilling its unique demands, even in the face of suffering. This perspective redefines human resilience, suggesting that individuals can transcend adversity when they find purpose. Frankl’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps profoundly shaped this belief, as he observed that those who could find meaning, even in suffering, were more likely to endure the unimaginable horrors of their circumstances (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”).
Frankl’s theory identifies three pathways to meaning: creating a work or doing a deed, experiencing something or someone (such as love), and adopting a courageous attitude toward unavoidable suffering. This final aspect is particularly significant, as he contends, “Suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice” (“The Meaning of Suffering”). This concept aligns seamlessly with Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, where Liesel Meminger discovers meaning through her connection to books, storytelling, and relationships. Her engagement with these activities helps her navigate profound personal losses and the broader existential challenges of living in Nazi Germany.
In The Book Thief, the narrator, Death, often reflects on the resilience of human beings in the face of adversity. Death’s remark, “I am haunted by humans” (Zusak, Epilogue), conveys his deep fascination with humanity’s ability to endure unimaginable suffering while still seeking connection, love, and meaning. This statement encapsulates a central theme of the novel: that even amidst the horrors of war and oppression, individuals like Liesel Meminger demonstrate remarkable strength by finding purpose through relationships, storytelling, and small acts of defiance. Liesel’s love for books and her determination to share stories with others exemplify this search for meaning. Her reading sessions in the bomb shelter, where she provides solace to frightened neighbors, illustrate how meaning can emerge from acts of connection and service.
Frankl’s assertion that “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose” (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”) resonates deeply with Liesel’s journey. Despite losing her family, enduring the oppressive Nazi regime, and facing the deaths of those she loves, Liesel continually seeks meaning through her relationships and storytelling. These pursuits not only offer her solace but also empower her to endure and transform her suffering into resilience.
Both Frankl’s theory and Zusak’s narrative underscore the transformative potential of meaning. For Frankl, the ability to confront suffering with purpose enables individuals to rise above despair. Similarly, Liesel’s connection to literacy becomes a lifeline, helping her endure the suffering of a world shaped by loss and injustice. Just as Frankl emphasizes that meaning can be found even in the most brutal conditions, Zusak shows how meaning is created through language, memory, and human connection. This interplay between meaning and suffering highlights the relevance of Frankl’s ideas in understanding how meaning can illuminate the human capacity for resilience, purpose, and hope in the face of existential adversity.

Liesel Meminger’s Will to Meaning Through Literacy

In Viktor Frankl’s Theory of Logos, the “will to meaning” emerges as the central human motivation, enabling individuals to endure suffering by discovering purpose. Frankl contends that meaning can be found in acts of creation, connection, and courage in the face of hardship. For Liesel Meminger, the protagonist of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, this will to meaning is deeply intertwined with her relationship to literacy and storytelling. Through her acts of reading and sharing stories, Liesel finds solace, builds relationships, and constructs a personal sense of purpose amid the chaos of Nazi Germany. As Frankl states, “Man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life” (“The Meaning of Suffering”). Liesel’s pursuit of literacy embodies this principle, as it provides her with a lifeline for survival and growth in a world marked by profound loss and injustice.
Liesel’s journey toward literacy begins with The Grave Digger’s Handbook, a book she steals at her brother’s gravesite. This initial theft symbolizes her subconscious attempt to reclaim control in a moment of trauma, as the book becomes a tangible reminder of her lost family. Hans Hubermann, her foster father, nurtures this connection to literacy by teaching her to read, transforming the basement of their home into a space of learning and healing. Their sessions are infused with patience and love, providing Liesel with a safe refuge. As Zusak writes, “Once, words had rendered Liesel useless, but now… she felt an innate sense of power” (pt. 3). This moment underscores how literacy, for Liesel, becomes not just a skill but a profound source of empowerment—enabling her to process grief, assert her agency, and embark on a personal journey toward meaning and resilience.
One of the pivotal ways Liesel uses literacy to cope with adversity is through her book thefts. Her second stolen book, The Shoulder Shrug, is taken from the ashes of a Nazi book burning, where piles of literature labeled dangerous or deceptive by the regime were set on fire. Amid this act of censorship and destruction, Liesel retrieves the book. This act represents both rebellion against the oppressive regime and a deliberate attempt to claim knowledge and meaning in a world intent on erasing them. Frankl’s theory highlights the transformative power of purpose and human agency, asserting that “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way” (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”). Similarly, Liesel’s thefts reflect her defiance and her unwavering belief in the power of stories to preserve humanity.
Liesel’s relationship with Max Vandenburg, the Jewish man hiding in her family’s basement, further illustrates her will to meaning through literacy. Max, like Liesel, finds solace in words. He creates The Standover Man, a gift that chronicles his journey and expresses his gratitude to Liesel. This handmade book not only deepens their bond but also demonstrates the shared power of storytelling in overcoming isolation and fear. The "word shakers" in Max's story are "the ones who understood the true power of words. They were the ones who could climb the highest. One such word shaker was a small, skinny girl... she knew how powerless a person could be WITHOUT words" (pt. 8). This sentiment echoes Frankl’s belief in the creative value of meaning, where acts of creation and connection can sustain individuals through their darkest moments.
A particularly poignant example of Liesel’s will to meaning is seen during the air raids on Molching. As bombs fall, Liesel reads aloud to her neighbors in the bomb shelter, using stories to soothe their collective fear. This act exemplifies the communal dimension of Frankl’s theory, which suggests that meaning can arise from relationships and shared experiences. In this moment, Liesel transforms her personal pursuit of literacy into an act of service, creating a sense of unity amidst the chaos. As Zusak writes, “She didn’t dare to look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes hanging on to her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out… The youngest kids were soothed by her voice… Many of the older people thanked the girl for the distraction” (“The Sky Stealer”).
Frankl’s idea that suffering can be endured when it is connected to a greater purpose resonates throughout Liesel’s journey. Her final act of writing her story, The Book Thief, solidifies her will to meaning. This act of creation allows her to process her trauma, honor those she has lost, and leave a legacy of resilience. As Frankl asserts, “Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual” (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”). Liesel’s writing embodies this responsibility, transforming her suffering into a testament to the enduring power of hope and human connection.

Freedom of Will and Liesel’s Defiance

Viktor Frankl’s concept of "freedom of will," central to his Theory of Logos, asserts that humans always retain the ability to choose their attitude and actions, even in the face of external constraints or suffering. As Frankl explains, “Man is ultimately self-determining. What he becomes—within the limits of endowment and environment—he has made out of himself” (“Psychiatry Rehumanized”). This freedom enables individuals to take responsibility for their choices, shaping their identity and purpose. In Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Liesel Meminger exemplifies this freedom through her deliberate acts of book theft and her resistance to Nazi ideology, asserting her sovereignty and defiance against a regime that seeks to control every aspect of life.
Liesel’s first act of book theft is not an impulsive act of greed, nor a political rebellion, but a deeply personal response to grief. When she steals The Grave Digger’s Handbook at her brother’s gravesite, it marks a moment of profound loss and emotional fragmentation. In taking the book, Liesel begins to construct a symbolic link to her brother and mother — a way of preserving memory in the face of trauma. As Zusak writes:
On her first night with the Hubermanns, she had hidden her last link to him—The Grave Digger’s Handbook—under her mattress, and occasionally she would pull it out and hold it. Staring at the letters on the cover and touching the print inside, she had no idea what any of it was saying. The point is, it didn’t really matter what that book was about. It was what it meant that was more important. THE BOOK’S MEANING 1. The last time she saw her brother. 2. The last time she saw her mother. (“THE WOMAN WITH THE IRON FIST”)
Liesel’s second theft, The Shoulder Shrug, takes place in the aftermath of a Nazi book burning. As piles of literature burn in a public display of censorship, Liesel retrieves the book from the ashes, defying the oppressive regime’s attempts to erase dissenting ideas. This act illustrates her freedom of will, a concept Frankl emphasizes in his work: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way” (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”). Liesel’s choice to salvage the book not only reflects her rebellion against authoritarian control but also demonstrates her commitment to preserving the power of words in the face of destruction.
These small yet profound acts of resistance align with Frankl’s assertion that even under the most restrictive conditions, individuals can find meaning through their choices. Liesel’s defiance is not limited to her thefts; her relationships and actions further illustrate her pursuit of purpose. For instance, her bond with Max Vandenburg, the Jewish man hidden in her family’s basement, is forged through acts of storytelling and sharing words. By reading to Max and exchanging stories, Liesel creates a space of freedom and connection that defies the dehumanizing forces of Nazi ideology. Max, too, echoes the importance of this resistance through his quiet determination to survive. His creative acts, such as painting over the pages of Adolf Hitler’s manifesto, Mein Kampf, to craft his own stories, symbolize his defiance against the oppression that seeks to erase his existence. Through these shared moments of storytelling and resilience, Max and Liesel demonstrate how acts of imagination and connection can become powerful tools of resistance, asserting their humanity in the face of relentless inhumanity.
Liesel’s rebellion extends beyond her personal choices, as her actions often inspire or unite others in subtle but powerful ways. Her readings in the bomb shelters, for example, serve not only as acts of comfort but also as quiet resistance against the fear and oppression gripping her community. During these moments, Liesel chooses to rise above her circumstances, embodying Frankl’s belief that “Here lies the chance for a man either to make use of or to forgo the opportunities of attaining the moral values that a difficult situation may afford him” (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”). Through her willful acts of defiance, Liesel demonstrates the capacity to transform hardship into purpose, a theme central to both Frankl’s philosophy and Zusak’s narrative.
Ultimately, Liesel’s defiance is a testament to Frankl’s belief in the transformative power of choice. Her acts of book theft, storytelling, and connection with others demonstrate her freedom of will and her ability to find meaning amid chaos. By reclaiming agency over her circumstances, Liesel not only resists oppression but also creates a legacy of resilience, reinforcing the idea that even in the darkest times, individuals retain the capacity to choose their own way.

Resolution, Conclusion, and Broader Implications

The exploration of The Book Thief through Viktor Frankl’s Theory of Logos reveals how meaning, freedom of will, and resilience shape the novel’s central themes. Frankl’s belief that human beings can endure suffering when they discover purpose finds a powerful literary counterpart in Liesel Meminger’s journey. From her early book thefts to her acts of storytelling and defiance, Liesel embodies Frankl’s assertion that life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose (“EXPERIENCES IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP”). Throughout the novel, she seeks meaning in literacy, relationships, and acts of quiet resistance, proving that even in a world marred by war and loss, individuals can assert their agency through the choices they make. Zusak’s narrative, guided by Death’s omniscient and reflective voice, amplifies this theme, reminding readers that mortality itself does not strip life of meaning but instead enhances its significance.
The novel’s central characters—Liesel, Max, and even Death—each grapple with existential struggles that align with Frankl’s philosophy. Liesel, in particular, transforms suffering into purpose through literacy and storytelling. Whether reading in bomb shelters to soothe frightened neighbors or writing her own story to preserve the memory of those she has lost, Liesel demonstrates the power of narrative as a tool for meaning-making. Max, too, finds purpose in storytelling, rewriting Hitler’s Mein Kampf into his own personal tale of survival. His resilience reflects Frankl’s belief that meaning can be derived from creative acts. Death, as the narrator, serves as an observer of human endurance, ultimately concluding that despite the pain and destruction he witnesses, he remains haunted by humans.
Beyond its application to The Book Thief, Frankl’s Theory of Logos provides valuable insight into broader literary and psychological contexts. Literature has long explored the theme of finding meaning in suffering, from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment to Albert Camus’ The Plague. Liesel’s story fits within this literary tradition, demonstrating that narratives of resilience are not only reflective of individual journeys but also of collective human experiences. Rollo May, in his work The Courage to Create, asserts that “Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. It requires passion and commitment, and brings to our awareness what was previously hidden” (ch. 2). Liesel’s final act of writing The Book Thief reflects this process—she immortalizes her experiences, ensuring that those she loved are not forgotten.

Ultimately, The Book Thief and Frankl’s Theory of Logos converge on a single truth: that life, even in its most tragic moments, offers opportunities for meaning. Liesel’s story is not just one of loss but one of transformation—of turning pain into purpose and memory into legacy. Through Liesel’s resilience, Max’s survival, and Death’s reflections, Zusak’s novel affirms that meaning is not something passively received but something actively forged. In the end, both Frankl’s theory and The Book Thief leave the reader with a profound realization: even in the face of suffering, life remains worth living when one has a story to tell.

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