The Book Thief

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Personification is a literary device in which non-human entities, objects, or abstract ideas are given human characteristics. In The Book Thief, the Narrator is an example of personified character.

• What entity, object, or abstract idea achieves the role of the Narrator through personification in The Book Thief, and what basic human traits are granted in the role? (topic sentence)
• Give three examples from the text in which the Narrator’s human qualities are evident or in which the Narrator participates in human interactions.
• How does the reader gain insight into the Narrator’s journey through personification? Respond in your concluding sentence or sentences.

2. Color serves a variety of purposes throughout The Book Thief.

• Identify one color used consistently or repeatedly in the novel. (topic sentence)
• Provide three examples of the ways that color is used in the novel; for each, discuss how the reference to the color connects to plot and characters.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, discuss what this color might symbolize in terms of one of the story’s themes (thievery, first-person narration, secrets, resistance, or another).

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. The idea of Liesel as a book thief is questioned by Rudy, who says she “‘is not a thief at all’” (487). Characters other than Liesel, such as Rudy himself, also participate in thievish activities. Discuss other characters as thieves and their respective acts of theft. Considering Liesel as well as other characters, which one or ones best fit(s) a typical thief profile?

2. Discuss the idea of resistance throughout the novel. How do different characters choose to resist power and authority? Select three different characters who show resistance in the novel and analyze their choices to resist different decisions. Are they successful? Why or why not?