The Book Thief – Study Guide偷书贼–研究指南.docVIP

PAGE PAGE 8 The Book Thief – Study Guide Turlich Death and Chocolate – The Kiss (A Childhood Decision Maker) 1. When Death says he needs distraction from “the leftover humans,” to whom is he referring? How is he preparing the reader for the novel’s subject? 2. Regarding the guards, Death says, “When it came down to it, one of them called the shots. The other did what he was told. The question is, what if the other is a lot more than one?” (p.23). Explain what you think he means by this statement and how it relates to the larger context of Nazi Germany. 3. Discuss Death’s narrative voice. Is there anything surprising about the way the author characterizes Death? What do you observe about the way Death presents Liesel’s story? 4. In some ways, Rosa appears to be an unfeeling and difficult person. Discuss examples of Rosa’s softer side. 5. An instant bond forms between Liesel and Hans Hubermann. What seems to draw them together? What might they appreciate about one another? 6. Discuss how the setting contributes to the plot. What dimension does it add as the story unfolds? 7. What are your initial impressions of Rudy? 8. Quote and cite one simile, metaphor and example of personification from this section. The Jesse Owens Incident – Dead Letters 1. Why is Rudy’s pretending to be Jesse Owens upsetting to his father? Is Mr. Steiner being rational? Explain your response. 2. Alex Steiner feels conflicted when he regards the plight of the Jews in Germany. What part does Nazi propaganda play in his conflicted feelings? How typical do you imagine his thoughts on Jews were at the time? 3. What range of enthusiasm for the Nazi Party does the author portray in his description of the residents at the Nazi parade? What can the reader discern about Alex Steiner’s and Hans Hubermann’s attitudes? 4. Given all her previous failures in learning to read, why is Liesel successful learning with Hans and The Grave Digger’s Handbook? 5. Do you agree with Death’s belief