Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality. We slowly drove – He knew no haste And I had put away My labor and my leisure too, For His Civility – We passed the School, where Children strove At Recess – in the Ring – We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain – We passed the Setting Sun – Or rather – He passed us – The Dews drew quivering and chill – For only Gossamer, my Gown – My Tippet – only Tulle – We paused before a House that seemed A Swelling of the Ground – The Roof was scarcely visible – The Cornice – in the Ground – Since then – ‘tis Centuries – and yet Feels shorter than the Day I first surmised the Horses’ Heads Were toward Eternity –
What Does Death Look Like?
Literary Analysis
Prologue (3-15)
What is "Death and Chocolate" mostly about? Summarize with key details and support with textual evidence.
What is the point of view of the novel so far? Who is the narrator?
Characterize the narrator. What kind of "person" are they?
Why are colours so important to the narrator? What may be the significance of colours in the text?
Summarize the first death described in the novel. What colour is associated with this death? How might that be symbolic?
Summarize the second death described in the novel. What colour is associated with this death? Who might that be symbolic?
What does the narrator mean when they sate: "I am all bluster - I am not violent. I am not malicious. I am a result"?
Why does the author title the last section of the Prologue "The Flag"? What is its significance?
What is "The Flag" mostly about?
What motivates the narrator to keep the girl's book? What does the narrator hope to prove with it? Why?
The Flag:
German Imperial Flag
National Flag 1935-1945
Standard of Adolf Hitler
Types of Conflict:
Character vs character.
Character vs society.
Character vs nature.
Character vs technology.
Character vs fate.
Character vs supernatural.
Character vs self.
Arrival of Himmel Street - Growing Up a Saumensch (19-35)
What is Arrival of Himmel Street" mostly about?
What happens to Werner, Liesel's brother? How does it affect Liesel and her mother?
What is the main conflict of the novel? What type of conflict is it?
What is the significance of Death's observation when Liesel and her mother are with the grave diggers at the cemetery? What is the deeper meaning of the comment? (22-23)
What events are foreshadowed in the beginning of the second chapter the reading?
Characterize Rosa Hubermann. What kind of person I she?
Why does Liesel's mother give her up to foster care?
Why does the author include German words and phrases? How is it effective in the text and these chapters in particular?
Why might Liesel refuse to take a bath when she settles in at the Hubermann's? Why might that be significant?
Describe the setting of the novel (Molching).
What colour is Hans Huberman compared to? How is it an effective comparison?
The Woman with the Iron Fist - The Kiss (36-55)
What is "The Woman with the Iron Fist" mostly about?
What does Liesel's nightmare reveal abut her?
What does the Grave Digger's Handbook symbolize to Liesel? What might it symbolize in terms of the whole novel?
What does Hans' accordion symbolize to Liesel?
What effect does Rosa's swearing have on others? Is she being harsh and rude when she swears? Why or why not?
In what ways is Rosa a "woman with an iron fist"? How is that an appropriate description?
Characterize Rudy. What kind of person is he?
What is the road of yellow stars? Why do people avoid it? What does it symbolize?
Based on the text, what is Frau Diller's golden rule? Why do you think she has this rule?
Interpret the following quote: "The only thing worse than a boy who hates you...A boy who loves you" (52) Explain how the quote's deeper meaning connects with the chapter.
In what ways do we see the effects of the main conflict in these chapters? How doe these effects impact the main characters?
The Jesse Owens Incident - The Other Side of Sandpaper (56-68)
What is "The Jesse Owens Incident" mostly about?
What is the point of view of the text? What is one disadvantage of that point of view when it comes to "The Jesse Owens Incident"? What is one advantage?
What is the purpose of "The Jesse Owen's Incident" flashback? How is it effective in the novel?
Why is it dangerous for Rudy to pretend he is Jesse Owens? What is his fatter afraid of?
What is Alex Steiner's conflict when it comes to politics? does he support the Nazis? Why or why not?
What do Rudy's questions for his father reveal about discrimination and persecution?
What is the significance of the figurative language: "...then there were the scatterings of odd men out, like Alex Steiner, who stood like a human-shaped block of wood, slapping slow and dutiful. And beautiful. Submission"? How does figurative language relate to the events and the conflict?
Why might the author include the statistics about Hitler's support in 1933? What does that reveal about the novel's characters and events?
Why might Liesel learn more about reading with Papa during their midnight class than at school?
Why does Death include an excerpt of Liesel's book? What is the purpose of including it?
Characterize Hans. What type of person is he?
The Smell of Friendship - The Heavyweight Champion of the School Yard (69-80)
What is "The Smell of Friendship" mostly about?
Do Hans and Rosa love each other? Why or why not?
What concentration camp is near Hans and Liesel's outside reading spot? How does that affect the atmosphere of their reading sessions?
What is the "smell of friendship"? What do the smells truly represent?
What major conflict begins in the second chapter of the reading? How does the conflict change the setting and the mood?
What is Hans' attitude toward the start of the war? Why might he have this tone?
What does Death's comment reveal: "I like this human idea of the grim reaper. I like the scythe. It amuses me"? Why does the idea amuse him?
What conflict does Leisel face at school? How does she try to overcome this conflict? Is she successful?
Why does Liesel try to read in front of the class? What motivates her to do it?
What does Death foreshadow at the end of the reading? What will happen later in the novel? Support with evidence from the text.
What part of the plot are we reading? How do you know?
A Girl Made of Darkness - The Town Walker (83-96)
What is "A Girl made of Darkness" mostly about?
What does Death claim as the one reason that led to the rise of the Nazi Party? Why does he claim this?
How does Liesel steal her next book? Why does she steal it?
What does Death mean when he states: "It's hard not to like a man who not only notices the colours, but speaks them"?
How is the Grave Digger's Handbook symbolic in the novel? What might finishing it represent?
What sacrifice does Hans make for Liesel? What does this say about his character?
Why does Rosa treat Liesel so harshly?
How does the war affect the richer people in Molching? How then does that affect the Hubermann household?
What does Liesel overhear Hans and Rosa talking about? Why does it upset Liesel?
Would it be better for the Hubermann's to tell Liesel the truth about her mother? Or is it better they let her send the letter?
What does Liesel know about the Nazi Party? What effect does that have on the story?
Dead Letters - Hitler's Birthday, 1940 (97-107)
What is "Dead Letters" mostly about?
What does the author start "Dead Letters" with a flash forward? How is it effective in the chapter?
How is the following figurative language effective in the text: "The reality of this gave her a second Watschen. It stung her..."? (99) What does it reveal?
What colour does Liesel associate with the beating she took to mail the letters and the disappointment that follows? What mood does it create?
Why is it so important that the Hubermann's hang a Nazi flag? Is this an act of submission? Why or why not?
Summarize the conflict between Hans and his son. What do they disagree about? Why?
How does the author create tension between Hans and his son? Identify at least one example of figurative language.
What does Hans Junior call Hans? Why?
Why is it courageous of Hans to not join the Nazi Party?
What happens to Hans Junior during the war? How do you know?
What does the following figurative language mean: "The silver in [Hans Junior's] eyes, however, wasn't warm, like Papa's - they'd been Fuhrered"?
100 Percent Pure German Sweat - Book of Fire (108-122)
What is "100 Percent Pure German Sweat" mostly about?
How does the author convey a tone of excited anticipation in the beginning of the "100 Percent" chapter?
How is the book-burning symbolic? What is it supposed to represent?
What does Liesel realize about her past during the speech? How does that realization affect her?
Why is the book-burning event inappropriate for children? Why then make the Hitler Youth a centrepiece of the event?
Why does Hans slap Liesel? What does he hope to accomplish or what message does he want to send? Why?
What is the deeper meaning of the statement: "Hans...was contemplating one of the most dangerous dilemmas a German citizen could face. Not only that, he'd been facing it for close to a year"? (116) Support with textual evidence.
Why is taking the book from the pile a crime? Do you consider it a crime? Why or why not?
Who sees Liesel steal the book? Why might this be a major problem for Liesel?
Is it courageous of Liesel to steal the book? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen when Hans discovers the book? What about Rosa?
The Attributes of Summer - the Aryan Shopkeeper (142-156)
What is "The Aryan Shopkeeper" mostly about? Summarize with key details and support with textual evidence.
Why is the book The Shoulder Shrug thrown on the pile to be burned at the celebration? What is "dangerous" about the book? Support with evidence from the text.
What happens to Ilsa Hermann's son? What does she think happens to him? What does this reveal about how point of view can change the reader's understanding of the text?
How does Lisa's son's death affect her? What does she do to cope with her loss? Why?
How might the first attribute of summer be different if Lisa Hermann narrated it? What might it be about?
What motivates Rudy and Liesel to join the kids in stealing? Is the stealing wrong? Why or why not?
What is the overall tone of "The Attributes of Summer"? How does the author convey this tone? Support with textural evidence.
In the beginning of "The Attributes of Summer", Death explains: "At times, [Liesel] would wonder which was the most powerful." (142) Which attribute do you think is the most powerful? Why?
In the beginning of the reading, Death again spoils Max's arrival. Do you like Death's foreshadowing? Why or why not?
Does Rudy love Liesel? Does Liesel love Rudy? Why or why not? Support with evidence from the text.
Why might Frau Diller force her customers to honour Hitler? What does she hope to accomplish?
The Way Home - Enter the Struggler (125-141)
What is "The Way Home" mostly about? Summarize with key details and support with textual evidence.
What idea does Hans have after he discovers Liesel's new book? Why do you think he does this?
What do you think Hans will do with the book he bought?
Who does the setting of the mayor's library affect Liesel? What mood does the library create?
Characterize Ilsa Hermann. What kind of person is she?
Why does the mayor's wife show Liesel the library? What message does she want to send?
What is ironic about the mayor's library? What kind of irony is this?
How does the setting change in "Enter the Struggler"? What mood does the setting create?
Who is hiding? Why? What conflict does he face?
What is possibly foreshadowed in the last chapter of the reading? Perdict events to come.
Why is the man hiding in the closet given a book? What might this book represent?
The Struggler, Continued - the Struggler, Concluded (157-170)
What is "The Struggler, Continued" mostly about? Summarize with key details.
In "The Struggler, Continued", what is happening to Walter? What does Walter think is worse though? What do you think of his comment?
What does the novel Mean Kampf symbolize in these chapters? What is the irony of this symbolism?
Where does Max get the book from? Make an inference and support with textual evidence.
Why does Max feel guilty when he first leaves his closet hide-out? Explain and support with textual evidence.
Is it wrong of Rudy and Liesel to continue stealing? Why or why not?
How does Max feel when he arrives at the Hubermann's? What internal conflict does he face?
How do you thin Hans will react when Max comes in? What about Rosa? What about Liesel?
What part of the plot are we reading? How do you know?
Who do we see the theme of suffering in these chapters? What do we learn as a result?
If the text was ordered by chronology, in what order should these three chapters be arranged? Why might the author continue to flash forward and then "flash back"?
The Accordionist - A Good Girl (173-186)
What is "A Good Girl" mostly about? Summarize with key details.
Summarize Death's flashback to WWI. What does it reveal? How is it effective in the text?
Characterize Erik Vandenburg. What kind of person is he?
Is it fate that Erik volunteers Hans? Does the narrator believe in fate? How do you know?
Why doesn't Hans join the Nazi Party in 1933? What does that say about his character?
What mistakes does Hans make that jeopardize his membership with the Party? Would you consider them mistakes? Why or why not?
Revisit the idea of submission. How does the Nazi Party get people to submit to them? What tactics do they use?
What does Death mean when he states, "One wild card was yet to be played"? What is the wild card? Explain and support with textual evidence.
Why doe Max trust Hans? Do you think it takes courage to trust someone like that? Why or why not?
Do you think it is fair that Max's family held Hans to the promise of help he made decades ago? Why or why not?
How do you thin Liesel will react to Max? Why?
A Short History of the Jewish Fist Fighter - Liesel" Lecture (187-204)
What is "Wrath of Rosa" mostly about? Summarize with key details.
Summarize Death's flashback about Max's fighting years. How is it effective in the text? What does it reveal?
How does Max's uncle die? How does his death affect Max?
What unjust laws do the Nazis enforce? How do the Nazis use the laws to carry out crimes? Support with textual evidence.
What happens with Max and his family? Why does Max make the decision he does? Explain and support with textual evidence.
How long does Max stay in hiding? What kind of suffering does he endure from that experience?
At the end of "The Wrath of Rosa", Liesel wonders, "Who were these people?" Answer her question. Who are Hans and Rosa Hubermann?
Why does the author title the chapter "The Wrath of Rosa"? Who might that title be ironic?
What does Hans threaten to make sure Liesel does not tell a soul about Max? Do you think his threats will work? Why or why not?
How are the Hubermann's breaking the law? Why is it acceptable that they are committing a crime?
Explain the significance of the following quote: "Between the hand-holding shadows, the painted words were scattered about, perched on their shoulders, resting on their heads, and hanging from their arms." (203) What theme does it connect with?
The Sleeper - The Swapping of Nightmares (205-222)
What is "The Sleeper" mostly about? Summarize with key details and support with textual evidence.
Why does Liesel watch Max sleep? What motivates her to do this?
What do the Hubermann's sacrifice to hide Max? What does this say about their character?
How has Rosa changed since Max's arrival? Why do you think she's changed?
How are Liesel and Max's experiences similar? Explain.
How are Liesel and Max's nightmares similar? How do those similarities connect to their internal conflicts?
Why does Liesel give Max the newspaper? What does she hope to accomplish?
Interpret the following quote: "...there was no way he'd give such propaganda to a young German girl. That would be like the lamb handing a knife to the butcher." (221) Explain its meaning.
What is Max's main internal conflict? How does it affect him?
What is the main conflict that causes all the other conflicts in the novel?
Why do you think Max reads Mean Kampf again and again, especially when it enrages him? Support you answer with evidence from the text.
Pages from the Basement (223-238)
What is "Pages From the Basement" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
What is Max's story, "The Standover Man" mostly about?
Who are the "men" standing over Max in the beginning of the story? Why do you think he's scared of them?
Why does Max draw himself as a bird? How is that also symbolic?
According to the story, who does Max dream about when he is in hiding?
According to Max's story, what gift does Liesel give Max on her birthday?
Who is the "stand overman" in Max's story? Why is the person important?
What may be the significance of the words painted on the basement wall on the last page of "The Standover Man"? What might they represent?
Who is Max's use of Main Kampf pages to write "The Standover Man" symbolic? Why does Max do this?
Why do you think the author has the worlds of Hitler's book barely show through on the pages of Max's story? What message might that send?
How do Liesel's action at the end of the chapter reflecting the ideas in "The Standover Man"?
The Floating Book (Part 1) - The Gamblers (241-266)
What is "The Floating Book" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the story.
What does "The Floating Book" foreshadow? Why does Death foreshadow this?
Why does the author use a "seven-sided die"? What is the deeper meaning of the comparison?
What are some of the risks the Hubermann's and Liesel take in this chapter? What gambles do they make?
What colour does Max compare himself to? Why?
How does Liesel use words for good in this chapter? How are they effective?
How is Max's boxing match with Hitler a reflection of his life? How is the comparison effective?
How does Hitler use words for power during the boxing match? In what ways do we see the danger of words?
How does Liesel choose to use words when confronting Ilsa Hermann? How does that affect Liesel later on?
What does the following quote reveal about the point of view: "The fact that she'd also been offered the book prior to that day mattered little"? (261)
How is the figurative language used to describe the effects of Liesel's words on Ilsa Hermann effective? What does it reveal?
Rudy's Youth - Sketches (267-281)
What is "The Losers" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Why does Rudy have trouble in Hitler Youth? What do his actions say about his character?
Interpret the following quote: "She also realized it was most likely those sodden days at the Hitler Youth that had fed his, and subsequently her own, desire for crime". What is the deeper meaning?
What colour is Rudy most closely associated with? Why do you think that is?
What is the goal of Hitler Youth? Why won't the organization's efforts work on Rudy and Liesel?
In the chapter "The Losers", Death narrates, "It was a nice microcosm." (274) What does he mean by that?
(Microcosm: a small group or community that mirrors the qualities of something much larger).
What does Rudy do that infuriates Viktor? How do you think Viktor will repay Rudy? Why? Support with textual evidence.
Why do Max's sketches scare Liesel? What about them are frightening to someone her age and in her situation?
Death narrates: "...a series of sketches, page after page, which to [Max] summed up the events that had swapped his former life for another." (278) How do the two sketches sum up the changes in Max's life?
What part of the plot are we reading? How do you know?
The Whistler and the Shoes (282-292)
What is "The Whistler and the Shoes" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Why do you think Rudy is being tortured at Hitler Youth?
What does Liesel steal from the mayor's house? What motivates Liesel to steal this item? Think of at least 2 reasons why?
Why can't Liesel find what she wants to steal at first? What is odd about its location? Why?
How does the author create suspense when Liesel is in the mayor's house? Explain.
is it right that Liesel steals from the mayor's wife? Why or why not?
Does Liesel hate the mayor's wife? Why or why not?
Why does Liesel defend Rosa when Rudy hints at her harsh ways? What does this say about their relationship?
Why does Rudy still always ask for a kiss from Liesel? Does Rudy love Liesel? Why or why not?
In general, why do Liesel and Rudy steal? What does it do for them? Is it portrayed as a negative act in the novel? Why or why not?
How has Liesel changed since the beginning of the novel? Why has she changed? Support with evidence from the text.
Three Acts of Stupidity by Rudy Steiner - The Floating Book (Part II) (293-303)
What is "The Floating Book" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
What is Rudy's firs stupid act? What happens as a result?
Why does Rudy" teacher stick up for him at the market? What may have motivated him to do this?
Why does Rudy fight against Franz Deutscher at Hitler Youth? What does Rudy hope to accomplish?
Why is it dangerous that Rudy skips Hitler Youth meetings? Why does Rudy start going again?
Revisit the idea of submission. How does submission tie to Rudy's experiences? What does Rudy risk by fighting?
How does Viktor get revenge on Rudy? Why does Viktor do this?
Death lists two motives as to why Rudy goes int the rive. What could be a third motive?
How are readers at a disadvantage in "the Floating Book" when it comes to the point of view? What do we not get insight into?
What does Rudy never ask Liesel again? Why do you think this is the last time?
What does Death foreshadow at the end of the reading? How might Liesel feel about the future event and her reluctance to give Rudy his kiss?
Death's Diary: 1942 - Thirteen Presents (307-324)
what is "Death's Diary" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
What does Death say her looks like? Why do you think that is?
What do we learn about Death through his diary? How is it effective in the story?
What makes Christmastime so enjoyable for the Hubermann's, Liesel, and Max?
How does Liesel try to ease Max's suffering around Christmastime? What happens as a result? How does she feel about this?
How do we see Max's identity as a fighter in "Thirteen Presents"? Do you think he will survive? Why or why not?
Why does Liesel give Max presents? What is she trying to do?
The power of words and suffering are both themes. How do we see these themes in this chapter? How do these two themes connect in "Thirteen Presents"? Explain.
What is the tone of "thirteen Presents"? How does the author create this tone? Support with evidence from the text.
What's the last gift Liesel gives Max? How might that be significant?
Do a little research and lear why Death is so overworked during the years 79 and 1346.
Fresh Air, An Old Nightmare, and What to Do with a Jewish Corpse - Death's Diary: Cologne (325-338)
What is "Death's Diary: Cologne" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
What does Liesel steal this time? What does Death suggest about this "theft" and Ilsa Hermann?
When Max is sick, how do the Hubermanns all suffer? Why?
Consider the narrator: Death. How might the narrator view the living when coping with death?
How does Liesel's dream change? What does that change suggest about her relationship with Max?
How does Rosa break the news of Max's stirring to Liesel? Why might Rosa take this risk?
What is Max's favourite gift? Why do you thin that is?
What does Death foreshadow at the end of "Fresh Air..."? What is coming to Himmel Street?
How does the tone shift in "Death's Diary"? How does the author create this tone?
What are the effects of the bombing on Cologne? What does that reveal about war?
Let's revisit conflict. What is the main conflict of the novel? Predict the climax. What will happen when that conflict is "faced"?
The Visitor - Death's Diary: The Parisians (339-350)
What is "The Schmunzeler" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Characterize Liesel in "The Visitor". What kind of person is she?
What mood does the author create in "the Visitor"? How does the author create this mood?
What does Max grab to use as a weapon? Do you think he would've used them? Why or why not?
What is the irony of Rudy's check-in with Liesel after her injury? What kind of irony is this? How is it effective in the text?
What events of the Holocaust does Death reference in his diary entry? How does it affect your understanding of those events?
Interpret the following quote: "I shiver when I remember - as I try to de-realize it." What does Death mean? (350)
How does the symbol of colours reappear in Death's diary? What does Death's ability to see colours when collecting should suggest about death itself? Explain.
How has the author been building suspense over the course of Part Six of the novel? Support with evidence from the text.
How are Death's diary entries effective in terms of point of view?
How does Death feel about Hans? Explain and give support from the text.
Champagne and Accordions - The Trilogy (353-370)
What is "Champagne and Accordions" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Why does Death include an excerpt from Liesel's book? What do we learn as a result?
What dictionary word is included in "Champagne and Accordions"? Why is it included? Support with textual evidence.
How has Liesel's relationship with Hans grown since she arrived on Himmel Street? How is that growth reflected in "Champagne and Accordions"?
How does Hans ease the suffering of others during this time of great anxiety? What does this say about his character?
Why does Death include the "point for later reference"? What might be the significance of that comment?
Why does Rudy disqualify himself for the final race? Think of two reasons and support with textual evidence.
What dictionary word is included in "The Trilogy"? Why is it included? What idea does it emphasize?
Why doe Ilsa Hermann give Liesel a dictionary? What does this book possibly symbolize for Liesel?
What do we learn from Isa's letter? What might Ilsa hope to accomplish by writing the letter?
how does the Duben Dictionary highlight the unique structure of the novel? What is the effect of these structures on the readers understanding of the plot?
The Sound of Sirens - Frau Holtzapfel's Offer (371-388)
What is "The Sound of Sirens" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
What dictionary word is included in "The Sound of Sirens"? Why is it included?
How does the air raid drill affect the people in the basement? What mood is created as a result?
What does Death ponder about the lives of the people in the basement? (375-376) What conclusion does he reach?
What do we learn about Rosa during the air raid? What might this explain about her character?
What does Max do during the first air raid? Why does he do this? How do you feel about the reason why?
Interpret the following quote: "A voice played the notes inside her. This, it said, is your accordion." (381) What is the deeper meaning of the quote?
What dictionary word is included in "the Sky Stealer"? Why is it included?
How does Liesel use words during the air raid? What effect does it have on the people in the basement?
What does Frau Holzapfel want from Liesel? Why? What is she willing to give up? Think of at least two reasons.
How do we see the theme of the power of words in this reading? What are we learning about this theme?
The Long Walk to Dachau - The Idiot and the Coat Men (389-403)
What is "The Long Walk to Dachau" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
How does the author create a tone of suffering when describing the march and the marchers? Support with examples from the text.
What do the people of Molching do during the march? Why? What mood does it create in the text?
What tow identities does Liesel have? How does she maintain them when she observes the march? What does that say about her character?
What does Hans do during the march? is Hans courageous for his actions? Why or why not?
How do we see the extremes of humanity in "The Long Walk to Dachau"?
What are the consequences of Hans' actions?
What conflict does Max now face? what do you think will happen to him? Why?
How might the reading be different if Hans narrated it? How would the tone change? What would be the primary conflict?
Why do the Nazi men come to Himmel Street? What do you think they want? Why?
The Dominoes and Darkness - Punishment (407-419)
What is "The Dominoes and Darkness" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Why does the author include the falling dominoes? What does its inclusion highlight or emphasize in the chapter?
What conflict does Rudy struggle with in "The Dominoes and Darkness"? How does it affect him?
Who/what does Death believe is responsible for the events that follow the Nazis; visit? (411) Do you agree or disagree with that assertion? Why or why not?
How is the figurative language used to describe the Nazi officers visiting the Steiner's effective? Explain.
Why do Rudy and two other boys get examined? What is the purpose of the examination?
What are the consequences of Hans and Alex Steiner's actions? What do these consequences reveal about life in Nazi Germany?
Reflect back on the Jew' march through Molching. How might Hans; punishment change your understanding of that event and people's actions?
Interpret the following quote: "Rosa had a small rip beneath her right eye, and within the minute, her cardboard face was broken. Not down the centre, but to the right. It gnarled down her cheek in an arc, finishing at her chin." (418-419) What does the quote reveal?
How does the theme of the power of words show up again in the chapter "Punishment"? How does the author represent that power both figuratively and literally?
How do the Nazis use laws to their advantage? How is this type of use inappropriate and unfair?
The Promise Keeper's Wife - The Collector (420-437)
What is "The Collector" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
How do Hans and Alex's conflict affect them? What do they end up doing? Why?
How is the imagery of Rosa with the accordion effective in the text? What does it reveal?
We've learned a lot more about Rosa as the story develops. characterize Rosa. What kind of person is she?
How does Rudy's father's absence affect him? Think of at least two ways.
How is Hans' work in the war similar to Death's job? How is it different?
How is Hans' work as a collector punishment?
Why does Hans struggle to write a letter to Rosa and Liesel? Explain by giving at least two reasons.
Interpret the following quote: "Papa's lungs were full of sky." (437) What is the deeper meaning of the figurative language?
What mood does the author create in "The Collector"? How does the author create this mood?
Describe the setting in "The Collector." What does the setting reveal about WWII?
The Bread Eaters - the Anarchist's Suit Collection (438-455)
What is "The Bread Eaters" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Why do the kids give away the bread? What does that say about their characters?
What might bread symbolize in the novel? What is the the deeper meaning?
What does Liesel want to tell Rosa when Rosa gives her Max's sketchbook? Why do you think she can't tell Rosa how she feels?
According to "The Word Shaker", how is Hitler able to cultivate so much hate in the country? How does it connect to the theme of the power of words? Explain.
What makes the small, girl word shaker the best? How does that connect with Liesel?
How is the teardrop symbolic in "The Word Shaker"? How is the teardrop symbolic in the novel as well?
What is the main conflict in "The Word Shaker"? In what ways is Liesel's conflict similar to the word shaker's? What do they both fight against and why?
What lesson might max be trying to teach Liesel through "The Word Shaker"? How does he develop this theme?
Identify the setting of "The Word Shaker". How is the setting of "The Word Shaker" effective for the story?
How is Liesel and Rudy's relationship changing? Do they love each other? Why or why not?
The Next Temptation - The Ageles Brother (459-474)
What is The Next Temptation" mostly about? Summarize with key details and support from the text.
What does Ilsa Hermann's bathrobe communicate? What does it possibly say about her?
What does Liesel realize about the library? Why might this be surprising to her? Does it surprise you? Why or why not?
What makes Reinhold Sucker despise Hans? What does that eventually lead to? Do you believe these events are just a series of chances or fate? Why?
How has war affected Michael Holzapfel? What seems to be his general attitude or tone?
How does the description of Robert's experience change your understanding of war and death? Explain.
How is the point of view of the text effective in the chapter "Snows of Stalingrad"? How does it deepen your understanding of Liesel's story?
How does Liesel show maturity and growth in "the ageless Brother"? Explain.
Interpret the sentence from the Last Human Stranger. What is the deeper meaning? How does it connect to the rest of the novel?
Who do you pity more in these chapters - the living or the dead? Why?
The Accident - Homecoming (475-493)
What is "A Bitter Taste of Questions" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Why does Hans get to go home?
Is Hans lucky or is it fate that he lives? Argue your stance and support with evidence from the text.
How does Rudy feel about the news of Hans' return? How does it affect him?
Why does Rudy want to steal? Why can't he in the end?
Why does Frau Holzapfel refuse to live her house during the air raid? What conflict does she struggle with?
How does Frau Holzapfel's conflict affect her son, Michael? Explain by giving at least two examples.
What do the kids find near the Amber River? Who is it? How did they end up there?
What does Rudy do with his teddy bear? Why does he do this?
Interpret the following quote: "The consequence of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder who the same thing can be both". (491) What is the deeper meaning?
How does Death describe his heart and humans' hearts? Why do you think he describes them this way?
The End of the World (Part 1) - the War Maker (497-507)
What is "The End of the World" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
According to Death, how does Liesel survive the bombing of Himmel Street? is this another instance of luck or is it fate?
How does Death describe Hans and Rosa's souls? Why do you thin their souls are described this way?
What does the following sentence reveal about war: "they were off target, of course. They were often off target"? (497)
What is the chapter "The Ninety-Eighth Day" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
What does Death foreshadow about Max? What do you think will happen when he comes through Molching?
Why does Michael take his own life? What conflict did he struggle with?
Interpret the following quote: "When I imagine that scene of the distraught woman and the tall silver-eyed man, it is still snowing in the kitchen 31 Himmel Street". (505) What is the deeper meaning of the quote?
What is the chapter "The War Maker" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Does Death's foreshadowing increase suspense or decrease it? Justify your opinion and support with textual evidence.
Way of the Words - Ilsa Hermann's Little Black Book (508-525)
What is "Confessions" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
What does Liesel do when she sees Max marching through on Much Street? How are her actions courageous?
What does Liesel recite when she faces Max? Why does she do this?
How are Liesel's words powerful in the moment with Max? What are the effects of her words?
What does Rudy do when he sees Liesel getting whipped? What does he endure for her? What does this reveal about his character?
How might "Confessions" be different if Rudy narrated it? What might he reveal about this moment?
Why does Liesel finally tell Rudy about Max? What is she really trying to communicate with him?
What does Liesel do in the library? Why does she do this? What conflict does this connect with?
What gift does Ilsa Herman give Liesel? How does this gift lead to other gifts for Liesel?
Why does Also come to Liesel's house? What do her actions say about her feelings for the girl?
How does the author develop the them of duality in "Ilsa Hermann's Little Black Book"? What message might the author be sending?
The Rib-Cage Planes - the End of the World (Part II) (526-539)
What is "The Rib-Cage Planes" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Why might the author title the chapter "the Rib-Cage Planes"?
What excerpts does Death include from "The Book thief"? How are they important to the entire novel?
What does Liesel compare Hans to? Why does she make this comparison? How is it true to the story?
What does Liesel hope in the last sentence of her book? What might she mean by this?
How is death's narration effective in "the Eng of the World"? Would you want the chapter to be narrated by another character?Why or why not?
What does Liesel do when she finds Rudy? Why? How will his death affect her? Explain.
What tone does the author create in "The End of the World"? How does the author create this tone?
What part of the plot are we reading? How do you know?
Death reveals the novel's ending in the beginning and several other times throughout. Does the foreshadowing take away from the ending's effectiveness or contribute to it? Explain.
How does Death use colours in "The End of the World"? How is it effective in the text?
Epilogue (543-550)
What is the "epilogue" mostly about? Summarize with key details from the text.
Who comes and takes Liesel in? Why? What do you think life is like for Liesel with them? Support with evidence from the text.
Why does Liesel refuse to bathe again after the bombing of Himmel Street?
What surprise does Death save for the end? What do you think Death does not foreshadow this surprise?
What do yo think life is like for Liesel after she recovers from the bombing and all her loss?
What do you think happen to Max after his reunion with Liesel? What about the rest of his life?
Why do you think Death likes Liesel's story so much? Why is it one of the handful of stories he reads and uses as distraction?
What colour is the sky when Liesel passes? What might be the deeper meaning of her colour?
Why does the author title the last chapter "The Handover Man"? What might be the meaning of the chapter?
What is the last thing Death says to Liesel/ What do you think he means by this?
What questions are left still unanswered by Death? What would you like to know?