ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Full Name: Markus Zusak
Date and Place of Birth: june-23-1975, Sydney Australia
Date and Place of Death: N/A
Educational Background: He studied English and History at the University of New South Wales, and graduated with a bachelors of art and a diploma of education
Family Life: He has a wife Mika Zusak and he has two children.
Describe a Significant Historical Event or Personal Experience That Occurred during the Authors life that may have had an Influence upon his writing.
Interesting Facts and Other Works:
The Book Thief Study Questions Prologue: A Mountain Range of Rubble
“Death and Chocolate”
2. What theory does the narrator suggest about colors? the color he likes the color and how it make him feel
6. What might
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the reader infer about the book thief? the book is going to be about a thief that steals books “Beside the Rail way Line” 2. What impression does Death give of himself? Do you feel that you can trust Death as the narrator? Why or why not? he seems like a normal person yes I feel like i can trust death because of the way he talks 3. Whose death does Death describe first in the novel? small boy “The Eclipse” 1. Whose death occurs in this section of the novel? her brother 2. In addition to describing the pilot’s death, what does Death describe for The reader? how the boy comes up and look at the pilot as he in the plane and the pilot was smiling in his final moments “The Flag” 3. How does Death “feel” about the image of Liesel? he feels sorry and wish he did not do it 4. What opinion do you form about Death following this section? he is caring at times he is a humble person Part One: The Grave Digger’s Handbook “Arrival on Himmel Street” 6. What falls from the grave digger apprentice’s pocket without this knowledge? What does Liesel do with the object? a book falls from the pocket and Liesel picks it up and continues on her way 8. To what does Himmel translate? Himmel equals heaven “Growing up a Saumensch” 2. How does Death’s admitted preoccupation with colors show itself in this Chapter? he describe Liesel and her appearance 3. What single fact does Liesel know about her father? it was a label that her father had it said communist “The Woman with the Iron Fist” 5. Into what is Liesel enrolled after her tenth birthday? she was enrolled the bdm 8.Why does Rosa tell Liesel she has to do other people’s laundry?
to get pay
“The Kiss (A Child hood Decision Maker)”
2.How are friendships between the children made on Himmel Street? they played a game of soccer
5.What is Schiller Strasse? where the Jews live with the star of David painted on the door
“The Jesse Owens Incident”
1.Who is Jesse Owens? he is a Olympic runner
3.How does Death’s explanation of Mr. Steiner’s politics explain his anger with
His son’s emulation of Jesse Owens? he got angry because he could of be punished for doing what he did
“The Other Side of Sandpaper”
3. How is Liesel’s bed “wetting a defining moment in her life? because he finds her book and then they start to have mid night classes
4. Why is the sandpaper useful? because he would write the alphabet on the back of it
“The Smell of Friendship”
2. Liesel notices a change in Hans when they are at the River, but doesn’t realize what it means. Why do you believe Hans is going to the river? because he want time with Liesel and kiss her
4. What elements blend together to create the “smell of friendship” for Liesel? Why do you think Liesel finds the smell so appealing, and Rosa finds it repulsive?
“The Heavy weight Champion of the School
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"yard” 2. What piece of news arrives at the Hubermann household? How does Papa react? Hitler has taken Portland has is very upset 6. Why is Liesel overcome with emotion? How does Rudy respond? she keeps thinking about her bother and Rudy stays with Liesel to they get home Part Two: The Shoulder Shrug “ A Girl Made of Darkness” 1. Why is Death’s statistical record of Liesel’s book stealing significant? 3. What is special about the second book Liesel steals? What does it signify? she steal it from Hitler burn on 4/20 “The Joy of Cigarettes” 3. Why does Death like Papa? because he is aware of the colors around him 1. Despite her hardships, several things have brought Liesel happiness. What are? They? reading, and finishing her book “The Town Walker” 1. Why does Mama put Liesel in charge of collecting and delivering the laundry? To her customers? How does Liesel feel about her new job? 4.Whatquestions/concerns does Liesel now have regarding her mother? “Dead Letters” 1.Briefly explain why the title for this section is appropriate. because she write letters to her mom but does not receive any letters 2.Why does Mama reprimand Papa on Liesel’s birthday? because they do not have any money to buy Liesel any present “Hitler’s Birthday,1940” 1.How are Nazi Party members preparing to celebrate Hitler’s birthday? they go to every door to get any anti Hitler objects 4.What does Death foreshadow for Hans Junior? that Hans walks to his death “100 Percent Pure German Sweat” 1.Why does Death include Tommy Müller’s in ability to hear in this chapter? because harm will come to him 2.How does Liesel feel about the book burning? Why do you believe Liesel is compelled to see the fire lit? she thinks it a crime “The Gates of Thievery” 1.What statement does Liesel make about Hitler as a result of their alizations she has made throughout the evening? How does Papa respond? Why do you think he reacts the way that he does? she knows the fate of her and her family 2.How do you think Liesel feels about Papa’s response? She liked it “Book of Fire” 1.What does Liesel notice when the workmen are cleaning up the remnants of the bon fire? How does Liesel describe what she sees? Why is this significant? What does Liesel do? not everything in the bon fire has been destroyed 2.What realization does Liesel make that causes her fear? she saw a shadow and realizes that she has been seen taking the book Part Three: Mein Kampf “The Way Home” 1.Why is Liesel afraid when Hans realizes she has stolen another book? she thinks he will tell Rosa 2.What happens to Papa when he discovers the book Liesel has stolen? What factors are involved? “The Mayor’s Library” 2.How does Liesel know that the mayor’s wife did indeed spy her stealing the book from the bonfire? Where does the mayor’s wife take Liesel? because when she goes to the house the wife dose not bring out the dirty laundry 4.What does Liesel find unusual about the library and Frau Hermann? it is really cold “Enter the Struggler” 1.The story shifts setting. To where? Why? death states that the story is to easy 4.To whom does Max plead? Based on your answer, what book was given to Max? max pleads to Hans “The Attributes of Summer” 1.How is Liesel’s summer divided? she played soccer and read a book 3.Why does Liesel want to be separated from Rudy? because she want to read in the mayors library “The Aryan Shopkeeper” 1.What treasure do Rudy and Liesel discover on their laundry rounds? What do they do with it? a coin 2.What does this episode demonstrate about Frau Diller? she is loyal to Hitler “The Struggler, Continued” 2.What is Max Vandenberg reading? he is reading 3.What number is lucky for Max? max lucky number is 13 “Tricksters” 4.How does Rudy justify stealing from Otto when Liesel asks if he feels guilty? he said he feels bad 5.What inference can be made about Arthur Berg in regards to the “small tribute” that Death offers? death says that Arthur is holding his dead sister in his arms “The Struggler, Concluded” 2.How does the number 13 come into play again in this chapter? death said the 13 is max lucky number 3.With what internal conflict does Max grapple as he walks towards Himmel Street? he knows he will be putting other at risk Part Four: The Stand over Man “The Accordionist (The Secret Life of Hans Hubermann)” 5.How does Hans gain possession of Erik Vandenberg's accordion? they meet during ww1 and became friends 6.Summarize Hans Hubermanns political conflict. Name his major mistakes. during ww1 a Jew save Hans “A Good Girl” 1.What occurs in November 1940? max came home at 24 2.How does Liesel respond to Max’s arrival? she was very nervous “A Short History of the Jewish Fist Fighter” 1.Who was Max’s favorite fist "fighting opponent? Where did Max train as a child? Walter max was Walter first 2.How does Max personify Death? What is Death’s reaction? max said he would punch death in the face “The Wrath of Rosa” 1.What startles Liesel from her sleep? Rosa wakes Liesel up 2.What does Liesel find unusual about Rosa’s reaction to the stranger? she thought Rosa would be mad “Liesel’s Lecture” 3.What story does Hans offer to Liesel? he tell a story about his friendship 5.How does Rosa uncharacteristically greet Liesel when she returns from her talk with Hans? she ask about her health “The Sleeper” 1.How does Max spend the first three days with the Hubermanns? he sleeps 2.What does Max say in his sleep? he write people name down “The Swapping of Nightmares” 1.Where does Max decide he belongs? in the basment 2.Behind what is Max hidden in the basement? clothes and paint cans hide him “Pages from the Basement” 2.How many pages does Max think he will need? 4.How does Max give the book to Liesel? How does Liesel react to the gift? Part Five: The Whistler “The Floating Book” (Part I) 1.What announcement does Death make about Rudy Steiner? Why would Death characterizes the announcement as “small?” 2.What does Death foreshadow regarding Rudy’s death? How does Death feel about Rudy’s death? “The Gamblers (A Seven "Sided Die)” 2. List the seven sides of the die. 15.What form does Liesel’s subconscious take when she is verbally attacking the ma yor’s wife? “Rudy’s Youth” 1.What three problems characterize Rudy’s young life? Explain. he said he would stay out of things 2.The story flashes forward two years, what does Liesel long to do? What does Liesel come to understand about her, and Rudy’s experiences with the Hitler Youth? she want to see Rudy “The Losers” 2.Compare Viktor Chemmel and Arthur Berg as leaders. What parallels might you draw between their leadership styles and leaders from this historical period? 3.On what terms do Viktor and Rudy separate? when he argues his authority “Sketches” 1.Max spends his time writing a book for Liesel. He intends the book to be an autobiography, but that is not what emerges. What inspires Max’s writing? How does the book change? they are sketches of max book 2.What happens when Liesel sneaks a peek of Max’s sketches? the scared Liesel “The Whistler and the Shoes” 4.What indication does the reader have that Liesel has become as attached to Rosa as she hasto Hans? she became defensive of Rosa 5.What “official title” does Liesel receive in October of 1941? By whom? she title the book the thief by Rudy “Three Acts of Stupidity by Rudy Steiner” 1.List the three acts of stupidity that Death provides. stealing from the store 2.Why is Rudy’s behavior so dangerous? Why does Rudy behave so dangerously? What is the result of Rudy’s behavior? ruddy is attracting the wrong type attention from people "The Floating Book part ll 2.Why does Rudy remain in the freezing water longer than necessary? because he is bragging he won 3.Does Rudy finally get his kiss? no he does not get to kiss her Part Six: The Dream Carrier “Death’s Diary: 1942” 1.Death shifts the focus of the story to himself in this chapter. a. What frustrates Death with regard to his appearance? b. Why is Death overwhelmed in 1942? c. Why does Death refer to the years 79 and 1346? so many people die d. What is Death’s opinion of war? he does not like it 2.How does Death find relief from the strains of his job? he remembers Liesel “The Snowman” 1.What does Liesel bring Max on Christmas Eve? Why is it important? she bring snow to him because he could not go out side 2.If there are no presents and little food, why does Liesel consider this the best Christmas ever? because she made the family to have a snowball fight “Thirteen Presents” 2.What happens on the fifth day of Max’s stay in Liesel’s bed? he barely wake up to Rosa feeding him 3.How does Liesel spend her time with Max? she read a book to him “Fresh Air, an Old Nightmare, and What to Do with a Jewish Corpse” 1.What desire does Liesel express to Rudy? How does he respond? What is the outcome of the venture? What does Death suggest about the open window? she want to take a book from the mayor house 2.Describe the dilemma, or conflict, that the Hubermanns face if Max does not survive his illness. the do not know what to do “Death’s Diary: Cologne” 1.What event does Death describe in this chapter? he describe a bombing 2.What do the children collect as Death collects souls? What might this symbolize? they collect empty gas cans “The Visitor” 3.What is the outcome of the episode? In what condition do the Hubermanns find Max? 4.How do you believe Max intended to use the scissors? “The Schmunzeler” 1.A second visitor arrives following the Nazi’s departure. Who is it? 2.How does Liesel classify her condition after the day’s events? “Death’s Diary: The Parisians” 1.Death claims that “the sky was the color of Jews.” What color do you suppose that is? Why might Death classify the sky as the color of Jews? 2.Death struggles with his own inner conflict. Describe the conflict and your reaction on to it. Part Seven: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus “Frau Holtzapfel’s Offer” 1.What damages were incurred as a result of the raid? no one died but two apartment where destroyed 2.Why does Frau Holtzapfel visit the Hubermanns? make a deal with Rosa “The Long Walk to Dachau” 1.What are the wishes Death hears as he exits the truck with the dead Jew? death hears the wishes on the truck 2.What arrives in Molching? Jew prisoners Part Eight: The Word Shaker “Dominoes and Darkness” 1.What concerns Rudy about the two men talking with his parents in the kitchen? he is sacred that it has to do with what happen in school 2.Why have the men come to the Steiners’ home?
What do the men propose to the Steiners? because of ruddy smartness and athletic ability
“The Thought of Rudy Naked”
1.How does this chapter connect with the previous chapter? this chapter is about the thing that happen at school
2.What is the purpose of the inspection of Rudy and his classmates? the nurses say that the Germans are trying to make human more physical and mental
“Punishment”
3.What arrives later in the week? What is Papa’s wish? Hans receive a letter saying he has been drafted
4.What does Liesel discover as she walks outside several days later? What is Barbara Steiner's explanation? Alex has been drafted to
“The Promise Keeper’s Wife”
1.How do Alex Steiner and Hans Hubermann spend their evening? What is Rosa’s reaction? they go in to town and get drunk
2.What do Liesel and Hans discuss at the train station? Hans ask Liesel to take care of the accordion
“The Collector”
1.Where are Hans Hubermann and Alex Steiner stationed? What duties are they assigned? Alex is sent to the mend uniform
2.What does Hans learn about the men in the LSE? Why have they been selected for service in the LSE? Hans and each man has committed a
crime “The Bread Eaters” 1.Who are the “three desperate men” that consume Liesel’s thoughts? What has become one of Liesel’s favorite distractions? Alex, Hans , and max is in Liesel thoughts 2.What does Rudy plan to do with the sack full of bread that he shows Rudy plans to decide it to the Jews as they pass him “The Hidden Sketchbook” 1.As the neighbors congregate in the Fiedlers’ shelter, what instruction from Papa does Lesel recall? she keeps reading her book 2.After returning from the shelter, Rosa goes to her mattress and opens a slit to give Liesel a gift. What is the gift? Why would Rosa have chosen this particular time to present Liesel with the gift? Rosa give max sketch book to Liesel “The Anarchist’s Suit Collection” 1.How and where does Liesel obtain Rudy’s Christmas gift? What is the gift? Liesel want to steal his gift 2.What does Death urge Liesel to do when Rudy falls? Does she oblige? What might the scene suggest about the upcoming events of the novel? death want her to kiss him Part Nine: The Last Human Stranger “The Next Temptation” 1.What does Liesel find when she and Rudy go to the mayor’s library after Christmas? What does Liesel realize about the library? she finds a plate of cookies 2.Who enjoys the gift of cookies? Liesel and Rudy share them with Tommy “The Card player” 2.Explain the last line of the chapter: “It kills me sometimes, how people die.” Which literary devices are used in the last line? death say how it kills him that people die “The Snows of Stalingrad” 1.Who answers Frau Holtzapfel’s door in January 1943? her son answers the door 2.What news does Michael bring to Rosa? his brother brings him to Rosa “Homecoming” 1.How many years have passed between Liesel’s arrival to the Hubermanns’ home and Han’s return? there were four years that have passed 2.Who answers the door when Hans returns home? Liesel answered the door when he got home Part Ten: The Book Thief “The End of the World (Part I) 2.Throughoutthenovel, Zusak has stressed the power of words. How does this theme ring true in this chapter? Liesel is the only survivor on the street 3.When Liesel is rescued, Death states that he could not fully share in the rescuers enthusiasm. Why? death already had the soul of her mom and dad “The Ninety" Eighth Day” 4.What does Death learn about Michael’s death from The Book Thief? that he took his own life out of guilt 5.Who gives the news of Michael Holtzapfel’s death to his mother? Hans tells frau that she has lost two son in six months “The War Maker” 1.What does Death reveal with regard to the war and the situation in Germany? death is telling to reader what the problem was “Way of the Words” 3.Why would Max think that it was a great day to die? because it was pretty out side 4.What happens to both Max and Liesel? Who comes to Liesel’s aid? they were wiped by a solder “Confessions” 1.Where does Liesel go after seeing Max? What does Rudy do? instead of going back home she goes to the train station 2.In what way does Liesel demonstrate her supreme trust in Rudy? What does she show him? she tells him what happen to max in him home “Ilsa Hermann’s Little Black Book” 3.Frau Hermann arrives at 33 Himmel. Why has she come and what advice does she offer Liesel? frau give Liesel a gift 4.In addition to the blank book, what other gift does Frau Hermann give to Liesel? the gift of life “The Rib" Cage Planes” 1.How has the content of the bold sections changed in this chapter? 2.What literary device does Liesel use to describe Papa? it is a extended metaphor “The End of the World (Part II)” 1.Why is Death telling the story of the book thief? death is telling the story because the word are fading 2.What is the sequence of events the night of the air raid? the bomb fell from the sky and the sirens went off Epilogue: The Last Color “Death and Liesel” 1.What does Death tell the reader about Liesel’s life? she has had a hard life 2.How does Death describe Liesel’s passing? her passing was very sad “Wood in the Afternoon” 1.With whom does Liesel live after the bombing? What connection does she maintain with Alex Steiner? she lives with frau 2.What does Alex Steiner regret? Why? going to war “Max” 3.Who arrives in October 1945? max arrives on 1945 “The Handover Man” 4.What discussion does Death have with Liesel when he finally takes her? What is the last note that Death offers us as readers? about the book she dropped¬¬¬¬¬
(McMann 232). This is where the theme is really developed because it shows right where Alex starts to really think about teaming up with Aaron. “Alex studied his hands, clasped in front of him. After a
In this essay I will be comparing and contrasting three inspirational people and their experiences on reading and writing. Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, and Sandra Cisneros all had different opinions about it. All of them overcame struggles that were different but similar in some way. What really intrigued me was that they followed their hearts in what they wanted to do even though people told them they couldn't.
Liesel understand that her mother left by circumstance due to the unraveling war unfolding in Germany, while Hitler was trying to reign complete control over all the political parties. During Hitler’s birthday one of his men gave a speech stating, “.. the evil machinations plotting to infect the motherland with its deplorable ways.” (Zusak 110.) The man refers to the ‘evils’ as,’ kommunisten,’ which is when Liesel starts to understand why her mother had to leave. She starts to put the
2.The Shoulder shrug: Second book Liesel steals. She adds up things that have happened and realizes that Hitler/The fuhrer's responsible for them. It’s an act of rebellion against him,since it was going to be burnt. Opens doors to more books since someone saw her steal the book.
After Liesel learns how to read and write, she receives the task of , “completing a letter for homework” (Zusak 95). Eventually she arrives at the conclusion to write to her biological mother. Liesel then continues to write more letters, but lacks the money to purchase stamps in order to send them. On her birthday, she would give “a present from herself. She would gather all the accrued letters to her mother, stuff them into one envelope, and use just a tiny portion of the washing and ironing money to mail it” (Zusak 98). Consequently, Liesel’s foster mother, Rosa soon discovers the gap in her laundry payments. When enraged, Rosa makes Liesel break just by asking her about the missing money. It was Liesel’s guilt that made her feel the need to confess so easily to the crime.
The friendship between Hans and Liesel is a very powerful bond that is shown throughout the book. Although Hans is Liesel’s “stepfather”, Hans acts like a best friend to her. Hans taught Liesel how to read and write. He educates her in the middle of the night when she can not sleep, and he teaches her to write in the basement. This is trying to explain how the power of
When a writer starts his work, most often than not, they think of ways they can catch their reader’s attention, but more importantly, how to awake emotions within them. They want to stand out from the rest and to do so, they must swim against the social trend that marks a specific society. That will make them significant; the way they write, how they make a reader feel, the specific way they write, and the devotion they have for their work. Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgard Allan Poe influenced significantly the American literary canon with their styles, themes, and forms, making them three important writers in America.
Chapter 1 is full of questions and strange issues, not only does this make the reader wants to read on to find out the answers but builds up the tension.
Born in Oakville, Alabama on September 12, 1913, James Cleveland Owens would prove to be one of the greatest athletes of his time. He was the seventh child born to Henry Cleveland and Emma Alexander Owens. Being that Owens was the son of a sharecropper, a grandson of a slave and an African-American, he was treated with disrespect and indecency (Trust 1). “J.C.”, as people called him, was not born into fame and a luxurious lifestyle; however his determination and willingness to succeed made his family background seem inconsequential. Defying the beliefs of racism during his time, James Owens (later known as Jesse) was one of the first men to change the way people viewed athletes of his kind, but more importantly the people of his race.
At the end of the novel Death reveals how he took Liesel's family and friends during the air raid that killed them all. He cradled her best friend, Rudy, and kissed someone's mother. As he reflects on the actions, Death is overwhelmingly sad and confused by the brutality of humans. Death's comforting actions encourage readers to sympathize with him.
When Liesel first arrives on 33 Himmel Street, she is introduced to a little boy her age named Rudy Steiner. Rudy and Liesel have an unmistakable bond, that was formed over a simple game of soccer. They didn’t meet by saying hi and asking if they wanted to be friends. They met by Liesel blocking a goal
his life where it has influences of his writing and how it did impact many people.
Throughout this extract, the narrator seems to evoke a secret and an elusive sense of smell which in turn creates interest. As the narrator seems to reflect on his past, he asks the daughter about the familiar smell without revealing reasons. This may suggest that
The students could choose to play an organized game of soccer that is refereed by a teacher or have unstructured play time. David chose to play basketball with his classmates. Only 3rd graders (about 8 of them) were playing basketball at the time. No other students played the game, but they did not prevent others from playing. When picking teams he and and another boy decided it should be boys versus girls. This caused a small argument between the boys and girls, but eventually they agreed and started the game. David was very vocal during the game and called out for the ball often. He did get upset when one of the girls called a foul on him and he sat out of the game for about 2 minutes before re-joining. The game continued with a few minor arguments. When the whistle blew to come inside, he eagerly ran towards his classroom.