Archetypes are a system that a character portrays in any story, movie, book, etc. They are given these roles based off of how they act and what part they play. In the novel, The Book Thief, there are a few archetypes that are easily spotted out when reading the novel.
Death:
With Death being the narrator, the archetype he portrays is “The Storyteller”. He is our guide throughout the story although he is not the antagonist whereas that would be Hitler. Storytellers often say things that are wise and foolish. Through the use of literal communication and metaphors, The Book Thief we will be able to spot Deaths use of this archetype throughout the book. Storytellers often exaggerate instances to give us an idea of what is happening or what is to come. “To prove to myself that you, and your human existence, are worth it” (Zusak, 33). This is a quote that represents how Death is trying to make the readers believe that he is not the typical “grim reaper” and is to only guide us throughout the story as ‘The Storyteller’.
Ilsa Herman
Ilsa Herman is the mayor’s wife. In the beginning of the book Ilsa is shattered by the death of her son that she cannot function as a person. She has the “why me” attitude towards others and feels abused or used. Although once she begins interacting with Liesel, she opens up and show sensitivity and concern. She portrays “The Martyr” archetype in the story because she is always on the guilt trip and tries to gain attention from others through sympathy for herself.
Liesel Meminger
Although Liesel is the protagonist in the story, she may also be considered “The Trickster” archetype. Liesel feels deprived and as though she has been treated unfairly through no fault of his own. Although she also steals books and started stealing food from farmers with her friend, Rudy. Liesel seems as if she is an innocent little girl but she is able to come up with plans to steal from others. They stole apples and they began stealing onions and potatoes. They come up with a plan to steal from Otto Sturm, who is a boy from school who delivers food to the priests every Friday.
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