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.