Book Thief Parts 8, 9, & 10 Review

Questions and Answers

Why have the men come to the Steiner's home?

The men have come to Steiner's house because they wanted to see if any of the Steiner children are able to become a part of the elite German citizens.

Why might the author intersperse the conversation in the kitchen with the conversation about dominoes that Rudy and his siblings hold?

The dominoes would be replaced with dead people.

How does this chapter connect with the previous chapter?

This chapter connects with the last chapter because it shows the coat men examining Rudy and his classmates.

The purpose of the inspection of Rudy and his classmates is __________________.

to choose people to become a part of the class of physically and mentally advanced Germans, an officer class. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rudy finally explain to Liesel, and how does she react?

Rudy explains everything that they did to him. She reacted by not thinking of everything else. She was missing Max, wondering where he was and if he was alive. Signup and view all the answers

Why might Hans be grateful for punishment by the Nazi Party?

The Nazis didn't choose Hans to become a part of the party. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the paper make Hans suspicious?

The paper might make Hans suspicious because the party changed their decision of not wanting him. Signup and view all the answers

What is Papa's wish?

Papa's wish is to not be sent to Russia. Signup and view all the answers

How do Alex and Hans spend the evening? What is Rosa's reaction?

Alex and Hans spend the evening by drinking themselves into oblivion. Rosa's reaction is dumping a bucket of hot water on him and calling Hans a drunk, saying that if he wasn't going to war, Rosa would have killed him herself. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the scene of Hans and Liesel at the train station.

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Where does Rudy tell Liesel they are going? Why? How is this characteristic of Rudy?

Rudy tells Liesel that they are going to find the Fuhrer, Hitler, to kill him. This is characteristic because it shows that he always does the right thing and he wants to do the impossible. Signup and view all the answers

What does Liesel mean when she states to Rudy, '...and you've only lost your father...?'

She means that he's complaining that he lost his father while she's lost her mom, brother, and Max. Liesel also has never had a father. Signup and view all the answers

Rudy and Liesel discuss their mothers' appearance on the sidewalk. Do you believe their mothers are more worried, more angry, or a different adjective entirely? Explain.

I believe that they were more mad because they have been missing for a couple of hours and they didn't know where they were. Signup and view all the answers

Where are Hans and Steiner stationed? Duties?

They are stationed in Austria and their duties are the LSE or Air Raid Special Unit and responsible for putting out fires. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the LSE? Why have they been selected for this section?

The LSE are the Air Raid Special Unit for rescuing people after raids and to put out fires. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Han's seat on the vehicle important?

It's important because where he sits saved him because if he sat in his original seat then he would be dead. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Death explain that Hans would 'need to perfect the art of forgetting.'?

He explains that because he has witnessed tons of horrifying stuff that he will have to forget in the coming years. Signup and view all the answers

Did the vivid explanation change your initial impression of Papa's short letter? Why or why not?

The vivid explanation did change because it's hard to write a long letter while war is going on. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the 'three desperate men' that consume Liesel's thoughts? What has become Liesel's favorite distraction?

The three desperate men are Alex Steiner, Max Vanderburg, and Hans Hubermann. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rudy plan to do with the sack full of bread that he shows Liesel? What argument does he use to convince Liesel to help him?

Rudy's plan is to take bread and give it to the Jews. The argument is that is that what her Papa did. Signup and view all the answers

How does the incident strengthen or alter the reader's characterization of Rudy? Explain.

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Study Notes

Inspection and Elite Citizens

Men visit the Steiner home to assess if the children qualify for the elite class of German citizens.
The inspection symbolizes the Nazi regime's brutal selection process for the "superior" populace.

Symbolism of Dominoes

Conversations in the kitchen contrast with Rudy's siblings playing dominoes, symbolizing life and death.
The dominoes metaphorically represent fallen individuals instead of mere game pieces.

Connection Between Chapters

The chapter continues the theme established by showing the Nazi scrutiny of Rudy and his classmates.
The inspection is indicative of the regime's invasive control over personal lives.

Purpose of Inspections

Inspecting Rudy and peers aims to categorize individuals suitable for a class of physically and mentally advanced Germans.

Liesel's Reaction to Rudy's Confession

Rudy reveals his experiences to Liesel, prompting her to reflect on her own losses, particularly concerning Max.

Hans’ Gratefulness Toward Punishment

Hans feels relief for not being inducted into the Nazi Party, highlighting a rejection of complicity.

Suspicion Regarding the Paper

Hans's distrust is sparked by a document indicating the Nazi party's shifting stance on his enlistment.

Papa's Wish

Hans desires to avoid deployment to Russia, emphasizing a longing for safety and peace.

Alex and Hans’s Evening

The two men share a night of heavy drinking, leading to Rosa's frustration with their behavior and worry over Hans's state.

Hans and Liesel at the Train Station

The scene emphasizes their bond and the looming threats of war, enhancing Liesel's emotional connection to Hans.

Rudy's Plan to Confront Hitler

Rudy confides in Liesel about his intent to confront Hitler, showcasing his rebellious spirit and moral compass.

Liesel's Perspective on Loss

Liesel contrasts her and Rudy's experiences of loss, highlighting her profound sense of grief and resilience.

Mothers' Concern

There’s a perception that their mothers' anger stems from anxiety over their prolonged absence.

Stationing of Hans and Steiner

Both are assigned to Austria with the LSE, responsible for fire control and civilian rescue during air raids.

Role of the LSE

The LSE operates as the Air Raid Special Unit tasked with emergency response after bombings.

Importance of Hans' Vehicle Seat

Hans' seating position saves his life, illustrating the randomness of survival in wartime.

Necessity of Forgetting

Death articulates that Hans must learn to forget atrocities witnessed, a coping mechanism for trauma.

Implications of Hans' Short Letter

Hans' brief correspondence is profoundly impacted by war conditions; brevity reflects urgency and danger.

Liesel's Desperate Thoughts

Liesel is preoccupied with thoughts of Alex Steiner, Max Vanderburg, and Hans Hubermann, indicating her deep ties to them.

Rudy's Generosity with Bread

Rudy intends to distribute bread to Jews, justifying his actions by recalling Liesel's father’s previous kindness.

Character Development of Rudy

Rudy's willingness to aid Jewish individuals reinforces his empathetic view, showcasing his humanity amidst adversity.

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Test your knowledge of Parts 8, 9, and 10 of 'The Book Thief' with these flashcards. Explore significant events and character motivations as they unfold in the narrative. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.