Figurative Language in The Book Thief

Figurative language is a way to explain things in a non-literal sense.  The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, is riddled with figurative language.  A challenging read but definitely worth it.

Examples of Figurative Language Explained Simplistically 

Double Epithet-
A double epithet is a type of figurative language used to make a sentence richer and more interesting.  The double epithet itself is when you use two words with identical or almost identical meaning used together for description. 
Example of a double epithet in The Book Thief- "Perhaps he was the last resort, the final solution"(27).

 

Figurative Language Rap

Oxymoron-
An oxymoron is a type of figurative language in which someone uses two words with seemingly contradictory meaning, used for a variety of reasons, including to create drama, or make the reader stop and consider what they're reading.

Example of oxymoron in The Book Thief- "School, as you might imagine, was a terrific failure"(39).

Personification-
Personification is giving animation to something inanimate or non-human.  Not literally, like Frankenstien, but figuratively, like the wind howling or the sun smiling. 

Example of personification in The Book Thief-"A bathrobe answered the door"(42). 

Apostrophe-

This is not the same kind of apostrophe as the kind in grammar ( ' ).  This is a type of figurative language in which you refer to someone or something inanimate or absent.  Like a little girl talking to her doll.
Example of apostrophe in The Book Thief-"Hello Stars"(45).

The Book Thief is all about figurative language.  The book is figurative language.  The symbolism of it amplifies the book to a new level.  The language in the book makes the book come to life, while making you stop and think about what you're truly reading.  The book is shaped by its figurative language, from the symbolism of the colors to the Nazis, the emotions of the characters, to the characters themselves.  It's all figurative, the book would be bland, flat, and depressing without the flair of the figurative language added.