Final answer:
In "The Book Thief," the use of personification shapes the reader's reactions by presenting Death with human traits and emotions, showing it as weary, compassionate, and even humorous at times. This offers a surprising image of Death and influences readers to connect with it on an empathetic level rather than through fear.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief," the use of personification in portraying Death shapes the reader's reaction by endowing this universal condition with human traits and emotions. Instead of the typically feared and ruthless character, Death is presented as an entity who is weary, sympathetic, and even humorous at times. This unexpected depersonalization makes the reader perceive Death in a different light which is not merely a symbol of end or fear, but as a complex character that triggers empathy.
One significant aspect of the author's personification of Death is the introduction of compassionate feelings and empathy. For instance, Death experiences sorrow during heavy times of war, showing vulnerability and offering unusual comfort. This character switch is unexpected, invoking in the reader a sense of shared understanding or mutual experience, instead of sheer terror.
This surprising and unique illustration of Death allows readers to explore the concept from a variety of perspectives, stretching beyond common expectations and norm. It greatly influences reader reactions, eliciting things like empathy and understanding rather than straight fear or negativity.
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