In class today, we had a discussion about Death (Zusak) repeatedly giving away (or spoiling) parts of the plot. For example, the mention of Rudy's death was one such giveaway. However, in my opinion, death's witty language more than compensates its interruptions and spoilers. "German air was in [Max's] lungs." (397). This short sentence alone paints a picture of Max Vandenburg walking down Himell Street. Yes, death does give away major parts of the plot and yes, these giveaways can be quite annoying.
In addition, the "spoiler" about Rudy's death is to me a very interesting part of the book. Every time I read about Rudy, I ask, "Well, is he going to die in this scene?" As the book progresses and more action starts taking place, death can get very confusing with its constant interruptions. However, this is the very point of death narrating the story. By taking away the limited omniscient, death can dwell on events that are, will, and were taking place. The reader knows what will happen, and therefore does not need to constantly question himself. It is this aspect that allows death to wrestle with language without worrying about plot.
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I agree about Death's giving away of Rudy's death is very interesting, but I think that Zusak is walking on a very fine line when she takes away the limited omniscient and in a way; the plot. If Zusak takes away the plot too much and interrupts the story too much, the reader will get lost in the story because of the lack of the "usual build up and climax of a typical story or novel".
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog Daniel. I do not think death's giving away Rudy's death was a good thing. Although knowing that rudy died makes me think about him before each chapter, it takes my focus away from his personality. In my opinion you cant have a good book without a good plot, but you can have a good book without good language. I think by spoiling the plot Death takes away from this book. I would enjoy reading this book much more if I had not known a lot of the plot. The anticipation that leads up to the climax is one of the most enjoyable things about reading.
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