Yannik Singh

Mr. Moody
HLA Red Block 3
6 October 2015
The Inconstant Identity
Everyones identity is unique. However, as a result of this, everyones identity is also
subject to change. Crises are particularly effective in shaping peoples identities. In Markus
Zusaks magnum opus, The Book Thief, all of the protagonists are flat characters. That is, they
all embody a single quality. Liesel embodies stubbornness, Rosa rudeness, and Max guilt.
However, due to the crisis of WWII, their identities develop complexity. The catastrophe of the
war shapes the protagonists identities for the better.
Rick Yanceys post-apocalyptic The 5th Wave conveys a similar message. Before the
Arrival, the protagonists are simply clichd, superficial, ordinary teenagers. However, in a
series of gruesome and brutal events, remorse, fear, and determination allow them to value
survival and righteousness. This dilemma transforms the protagonists into people who are willing
to combat all odds to achieve survival. Once more, the crisis shapes their identities.
The Book Thief and The 5th Wave may seem to be narrating completely different stories.
However, a more critical analysis of these texts shows that they convey the same message in
spite of their immensely different plots. By narrating tales of devastating crises, both Zusak and
Yancey demonstrate that a crisis can shape ones identity.
Both The Book Thief and The 5th Wave use narrative text structures to imply a theme. In
The Book Thief, the inciting incident of Maxs arrival transforms Rosa Hubermann from a vulgar
misanthropist into a kind and efficient person. In the exposition of the text, Zusak uses a

metaphor to introduce Rosa as having a rather harsh personality [See: . . . that filthy pig . . .
(Zusak 35)]: Saumensch, du dreckiges-its about time! . . . That Saukerl, that filthy pig-you
call him Papa, verstehst? Understand? (Zusak 35). The fact that Rosa would openly criticize
and insult her own family obviously demonstrates that she is quite a vulgar person. Beyond that,
the fact that Zusak uses a metaphor highlights Rosas precise use of language in insults.
However, after Maxs arrival at the Hubermann household, Zusak continues to use figurative
language to describe the change in Rosa: What shocked Liesel most was the change in her
mama. Whether it was the calculated way in which she divided the food, or the considerable
muzzling of her notorious mouth, or even the gentler expression on her cardboard face, one thing
was becoming clear . . . She was a good woman for a crisis (Zusak 211). This example of a
metaphor displays Rosa as a much more affectionate, altruistic, and amiable person, in contrast
to the hateful being described earlier. Zusaks use of this metaphor emphasizes the change by
describing, in detail, the adjustment in Rosas expression. As a result of the inciting incident,
Rosas identity is shaped for the better.
Similarly, in The 5th Wave, the inciting incident of the Arrival transforms Cassie, the
protagonist, from a clichd and superficial teenager into an intelligent and determined warrior.
Before the aforementioned Arrival, Cassie seems to be a flat character who is obsessed with
the opposite sex, as demonstrated by this hyperbole: Ben Parish couldnt be satisfied with being
the most gorgeous guy in school. Just to torment me with his perfection, he also insisted on being
one of the smartest (Yancey 34). As seen above, Yanceys use of a hyperbole accentuates
Cassies values. After the crisis of the inciting incident, however, her values and identity are
transformed: I may be the last one, but I am the one still standing. I am the one turning to face
the faceless hunter in the woods on an abandoned highway. I am the one not running, not staying,

but facing. Because if I am the last one, then I am humanity. And if this is humanitys last war,
then I am the battlefield (Yancey 101). This excerpt from the text reveals Cassie to be extremely
determined and optimistic, as she is willing to challenge probability in the hope of saving the
world. In conclusion, the inciting incident of the Arrival shapes Cassies identity.
While Cassie and the odious Rosa may seem to be polar opposites, their responses to
their corresponding inciting incidents reveal the theme a crisis can shape ones identity. In The
Book Thief, Rosa Hubermann is transformed from a bitter, vile Scrooge who hates everything
with a passion into a magnanimous person. In a similar fashion, the protagonist of The 5th Wave,
Cassie, is transformed from an average adolescent into a tenacious fighter intent on representing
the entire human race. In both texts, the inciting incident plays a crucial role in the corresponding
transformation. To conclude the above, the narrative text structures in both The Book Thief and
The 5th Wave reveal the theme that a crisis can shape ones identity.
The literary elements of both The Book Thief and The 5th Wave reveal the basic principles
of identity: that it is unique, powerful, and variable. The actions of the characters in both texts
especially emphasize the fact that ones identity can be shaped by a crisis. In both of the
aforementioned novels, the protagonists are faced with impending crises. As a result, their
identities and values change for the better. In conclusion, despite their immeasurable differences
in plot and craft, The Book Thief and The 5th Wave share the same message about life: crises are
chisels. Chisels that shape the marble of identity into a masterpiece.

Works Cited
Yancey, Richard. The 5th Wave. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006. Print.