The Book Thief Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who places Liesel Meminger in foster care?

Her mother

Who is the narrator of this novel?

Death

How does the reader know that Liesel's brother is sick?

He is coughing

How are Liesel and her brother traveling to the foster care system?

By train Signup and view all the answers

How many guards escort Liesel when she helps to bury her dead brother?

Two Signup and view all the answers

To which German city is Liesel being relocated by the foster care system?

Munich Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adjectives best describes Rosa Hubermann?

Cruel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play?

Accordion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities does Hans Hubermann convince Liesel to do after she has been in the house for a few weeks?

Take a bath Signup and view all the answers

Why does Liesel struggle in school?

Because she cannot read Signup and view all the answers

What is the BDM?

Band of German girls Signup and view all the answers

What does Rosa do for a living?

She is a laundress Signup and view all the answers

What does Liesel clean off the door frame every day left by Frau Hollapfel?

Spit Signup and view all the answers

What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids?

Soccer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sports is Rudy most interested in?

Track and field Signup and view all the answers

What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens?

Paint Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the three colors red, white, and black that resonate with Death when Death remembers Liesel?

They are the colors of the Nazi flag, and the implication is that Nazism is responsible for the deaths Signup and view all the answers

What is the first book that Liesel steals?

The Gravedigger's Handbook Signup and view all the answers

Who dies on the train to Munich?

Liesel's brother Werner Signup and view all the answers

What instrument does Hans play?

The accordion Signup and view all the answers

What is Hans's job? What does Rosa do to make money?

Hans is a painter; Rosa does laundry for upper-class people Signup and view all the answers

What color did Rudy paint himself when he ran the 100m relay?

Charcoal black Signup and view all the answers

Why does Liesel beat up Ludwig?

He makes fun of her because she can't read Signup and view all the answers

What year does Germany invade Poland?

1939 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Liesel Meminger is placed into foster care by her mother.
Death serves as the novel's narrator, providing a unique perspective on events.
Werner, Liesel's brother, dies during their train journey to the foster care system.

Setting

The relocation to Munich represents a new beginning for Liesel within the foster care system.
The historical backdrop includes the year 1939, marking Germany's invasion of Poland and its implications on the characters' lives.

Themes and Motifs

Rosa Huberman is portrayed as cruel, emphasizing the harsh realities of Liesel's new life.
The colors red, white, and black resonate with Death and symbolize the Nazi regime and its impact on lives.

Important Objects and Events

Liesel steals her first book, "The Gravedigger's Handbook," marking the beginning of her relationship with reading.
Hans Huberman plays the accordion, providing a source of comfort and connection for Liesel.
Liesel struggles in school due to her inability to read, creating challenges in her adaptation.

The BDM stands for the Band of German girls, tied to the youth organizations of that era.
Rosa works as a laundress, serving upper-class clients, while Hans is a painter, showcasing their socioeconomic status.

Activities and Interactions

Liesel cleans spit off the door frame left by Frau Hollapfel, reflecting her everyday challenges.
Soccer is a sport frequently played by Liesel with neighborhood kids, highlighting her attempt to fit in.
Rudy, another character, is primarily interested in track and field and is noted for darkening his body with paint to mimic Jesse Owens.

Conflicts

Liesel has a conflict with Ludwig, arising from her reading struggles, which leads her to physically confront him.

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Test your knowledge with flashcards from Chapter 1 of 'The Book Thief'. This quiz covers key terms and concepts, such as characters and narrative elements introduced in the chapter. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the text.