Question

questions - part 8
directions: complete the following questions after reading each chapter.
comprehension

1. why do agents visit rudy’s house, and what is his family’s reaction?
2. what happens to hans hubermann and why is it significant?
3. what dangerous assignment is hans given in the army, and what does it involve?
4. how do liesel and rudy show their defiance against the nazi regime in this chapter?
5. what does rosa give liesel after an air raid, and why is it important?
6. how does max’s story, “the word shaker,” characterize liesel?

insights & interpretation

1. how does the relationship between liesel and max deepen through the story “the word shaker,” and what does this reveal about their understanding of resistance?
2. how does liesel’s evolving relationship with words mirror her development as a character and her understanding of the world around her?

literary style & craft

1. how does “the word shaker” function as an allegory in the book thief?
2. what literary techniques does zusak use in “the word shaker” to convey its message about the power of words?

additional questions
themes & messages

1. how does the relationship between liesel and max highlight the novel’s themes of friendship and solidarity in the face of adversity?

personal reflection

1. reflect on standing up for your beliefs, like in “the word shaker.” how would you respond if your values were tested?

Explanation:

Answer:

1. Agents visit to check for hidden Jews; Rudy's family is terrified, and Rudy is forced to do physical exercises for them.
2. Hans is drafted into the army; it is significant because it breaks the relative safety the Hubermanns had, and it is punishment for helping a Jewish man.
3. Hans is assigned to the LSE (Luftschutz-Ersatz), which involves digging out survivors and recovering bodies from bombed buildings.
4. They steal food from a wealthy neighborhood and leave a Nazi propaganda book at the scene.
5. Rosa gives Liesel the book The Whistler; it is important as it is a symbol of their bond and helps Liesel cope with fear.
6. It characterizes Liesel as someone who uses words to connect, resist, and find hope, and as a loyal, kind friend.
7. Their bond deepens as they connect over the story's message of resistance through words; it reveals they understand resistance as rooted in empathy and using one's voice.
8. Her growing mastery of words mirrors her move from vulnerability to strength, and her understanding shifts from innocence to recognizing the power of words for both harm and good.
9. It is an allegory for the power of words to both manipulate (Hitler's propaganda) and resist (Liesel's acts of connection), and for the resilience of humanity.
10. Zusak uses fable-like narrative, metaphor, and symbolism (the word tree, the shaker) to convey the power of words.
11. Their relationship highlights these themes as they support each other through isolation, fear, and oppression, choosing solidarity over self-preservation.
12. (Personal example: I would stand firm in my values by speaking up peacefully, supporting others who share them, and refusing to comply with unjust demands.)