Death as a Character/Narrator:
* "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas: This poem's central message about fighting against death and clinging to life echoes Death's perspective in the novel, especially his fascination with Liesel's resilience and her love for books.
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: Though dealing with a different kind of death, Poe's poem explores themes of loss, isolation, and the struggle to find meaning in the face of mortality, elements that resonate with Liesel's experience and Death's presence.
The Power of Words:
* "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot: This poem explores themes of isolation, fear, and the desire for connection, which connect to Liesel's own journey of finding solace and meaning through words.
* "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost: This poem's exploration of choices and their consequences resonates with Liesel's decision to steal books, ultimately leading her to a profound connection with language and literature.
The Impact of War:
* "Dulce et Decorum est" by Wilfred Owen: This poem vividly portrays the horrors of war and the ultimate futility of conflict, reflecting the grim realities Liesel and her community face.
* "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: This poem's depiction of a valiant but ultimately tragic charge evokes the senseless violence and loss experienced during World War II.
The Importance of Hope and Resilience:
* "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley: This poem's message of enduring hardship and maintaining one's spirit in the face of adversity mirrors Liesel's strength and determination to find hope in the darkest times.
* "The Tiger" by William Blake: This poem's exploration of creation and the enduring power of the human spirit can be seen as symbolic of Liesel's capacity for love, resilience, and the power of words.
Additional Considerations:
* Poetry from the German language: Given the setting of the novel, exploring German poems, especially those dealing with war, loss, and survival, can offer a deeper understanding of the context.
* Contemporary poems: Looking at poems written by contemporary authors, particularly those dealing with themes of childhood, family, and loss, can provide interesting parallels to the novel.
It's important to note that "The Book Thief" doesn't have a single, definitive poem as a direct source of inspiration. Instead, the book draws upon a wide range of literary and cultural influences, making it resonate with multiple poems depending on the reader's focus.