THE BOOK THIEF - Page 4 of 10 - book summaries and study materials

Summary and Analysis Part 7: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus: The Long Walk to Dachau

Analysis Death highlights the darkness of humanity in this chapter, describing the misery of the Jews as they marched. By contrast, Hans acts out of goodness and kindness. Again, there exists this blurring of lightness and darkness in the human stories that Death has witnessed. This chapter also increases the […]

Summary and Analysis Part 7: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus: Frau Holtzapfel’s Offer

Markus Zusak

Analysis This chapter demonstrates how words, and Frau Holtzapfel’s desire for words, are powerful enough to get her to make slight amends with Rosa. Frau Holtzapfel’s desire for Liesel’s stories and words are greater than her grudge against Rosa Hubermann. And like Hans with his cigarettes, Rosa sees an opportunity […]

Summary and Analysis Part 7: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus: The Sky Stealer

Markus Zusak

Analysis Death has told us previously that Liesel doesn’t ask Hans to teach her the accordion because she doesn’t think she could ever get it to sound like Hans does. But now, she’s found the medium through which she can move people, calm them, and evoke music in her soul: […]

Summary and Analysis Part 7: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus: The Sound of Sirens

Markus Zusak

Analysis Death defines fear in this chapter, illustrating how Liesel can read the word fear on a page as well as on the faces of those around her. The reader feels sympathy for Max at how it’s a treat for him simply to look outside at stars when everyone heads […]

Summary and Analysis Part 7: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus: The Trilogy

Markus Zusak

Later, Liesel finishes The Dream Carrier and returns to the mayor’s house by herself to steal A Song in the Dark. She enjoys the feeling of stealing. Another day, Rudy comes to get Liesel to show her what’s in the window of 8 Grande Strasse. It’s a book — a […]

Summary and Analysis Part 7: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus: Champagne and Accordions

Markus Zusak

Analysis In this chapter, the relationship between Liesel and Hans grows even deeper and is taking on more of an adult tone as Liesel matures. Liesel is no longer the child that she was when she first arrived at 33 Himmel Street; Hans allows her to partake in drinking champagne, […]

Summary and Analysis Part 6: The Dream Carrier: Death’s Diary: The Parisians

Markus Zusak

Analysis This chapter shows the human side of Death, how he feels sadness for the work he has to do but understands that it is his job and he must do it. This chapter also illustrates the magnitude of the Holocaust, how the killings are picking up pace. Death sees […]

Summary and Analysis Part 6: The Dream Carrier: The Schmunzeler

Markus Zusak

Analysis This chapter illustrates that Liesel is moral in her thievery, refusing to steal from Hans. Because Rudy knows that Liesel is a thief, he tells her that she stinks like a criminal, which recalls a moment during the previous chapter when Liesel worries that the Nazi inspecting their basement […]

Summary and Analysis Part 6: The Dream Carrier: The Visitor

Markus Zusak

Analysis In this chapter, Liesel acts as a protector of both her family and Max. She is quick-thinking and resourceful, taking on a much more active role in maintaining their secret and keeping suspicion at bay. Max feels increasingly guilty for his desire to live; in order to stay alive, […]

Summary and Analysis Part 6: The Dream Carrier: Death’s Diary: Cologne

Markus Zusak

Analysis Colors return as an important theme in this chapter — the yellow of the burning sky, the black fuel tanks. The colors create a stark landscape and mood for this chapter. Death’s collection of bodies mirrors the children’s collection of these fuel tanks, both of which are discarded by […]