The Book Thief Part 2 the Shoulder Shrug

The Book Thief Part 2 – The Shoulder Shrug A GIRL MADE OF DARKNESS (pg. 83-84)

Evaluate the title of this chapter. Explain what you think the title’s chapter means?

On page 83, the narrator foreshadows something very important to develop the plot of the book. Identify the foreshadow and make a prediction of what you believe the narrator is hinting at.

The book thief steals her second book. What does the second book symbolize for her?

THE JOY OF CIGARETTES (pg. 85- 90)

What does “ire” mean? Create a sentence with “ire” in it:

What are your keys to happiness?

In your opinion, why is Liesel so fascinated with words, with reading?

THE TOWN WALKER (pg. 91-96)

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?

2. Liesel’s class is instructed to write two letters. To whom does Liesel write her letters? Why does Liesel have the sense of foreboding with regard to one of the ltters? The Book Thief Part 2 – The Shoulder Shrug

3. What questions/concerns does Liesel now have regarding her mother?

DEAD LETTERS (pg. 97-100)

1. Brienfly explain why the title for this section is appropriate?

2. Explain why Liesel receives a severe beating from Mama. What does Liesel come to understand that is more painful than Mama’s beating? Why does Mama aplogize to Liesel?

3. Why does Liesel wrie that she has no animosity toward Rosa for the beating, or toward her mother? Can you connect with Liesel’s logic at all? Why or why not?

HITLER’S BIRTHDAY, 1940 (pg. 101- 107)

1. How are Nazi Party members preparing to celebrate Hitler’s birthday? The Book Thief Part 2 – The Shoulder Shrug 2. Summarize the unrest between Hans and Hans Junior?

3. What does Death foresdhaow for Hands Junior?

100 PURE GERMAN SWEAT (pg. 108-113)

1. Why does Death include Tommy Muller’s inability to hear in this chapter?

2. How does Liesel feel about the book burning? Why do you believe Liesel is compelled to see the fire lit?

3. What realization does Liesel make as she hears the workd “Kommunisten” spoken of as an enemy by the German officials? What is her reaction?

4. Why is the scene with Ludwig Schmeikl so important?

THE GATE THIEVERY (pg. 114-117) The Book Thief Part 2 – The Shoulder Shrug 1. What statement does Liesel make about Hitler as a result of the realizations she has made throughout the evening? How does papa respond? Why do you think he reacts the way he does?

2. How do you think Liesel feels about Papa’s response?

BOOK OF FIRE (pg. 118-122) 1. What realization does Liesel make that causes her fear?

Socratic Questions: 1. Do you think Liesel deserved to be punished for taking money to mail letters to her mother? Was Rosa justified in meeting out such a harsh punishment? 2. Do you think there was some way that Hans could have made peace with his son? Why didn’t he? 3. In what ways might Hans Hubermann have been considered a hero and not a coward has he had been accused by his son?