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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long has Max been hiding in the basement before he sees the sky?

2. Who is the first character to see the fire in the distance upon emerging from the air raid shelter?

3. What does Hans offer to the starving Jewish soldier he sees being marched through the streets?

4. After their raid with Viktor Chemmel, how many apples are Liesel and Rudy given as payment?

5. During their only Christmas together, what does Liesel give to Rudy as a gift?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Liesel bring snow into the basement during winter?

2. Why does Liesel angrily shout at Frau Hermann in the library of her house?

3. How does Michael Holtzapfel die?

4. How does Liesel come to own a Dictionary and Thesaurus?

5. What happens when Liesel sees Max being marched through town with a Jewish prisoner parade?

6. What happens when Rudy sees an airplane go down outside the bomb shelter?

7. What fear does Rosa have if Max were to die?

8. How is Hans punished for giving the starving Jew a piece of bread?

9. What is "The Word Shaker"?

10. Why do two men from the Nazi party suddenly show up at Rudy's home to speak with his parents?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Zusak chooses a very interesting narrator in the voice of Death. First, describe at least two scenes in which Death visits with Liesel. What does the reader learn about Death, and Liesel's relationship with him during these interactions? Do you think Death was an effective narrator for this novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Many characters in this novel suffer from recurring nightmares. Choose two characters who suffer from nightmares and describe the visions they have. How do these recurring nightmares affect the way these characters interact with the world and each other?

Essay Topic 3

When Hans sees the starving Jewish prisoner being marched through town, he makes a snap decision that permanently affects his family. What are the pros to Hans' decision regarding the Jewish soldier? What are the cons? When the pros and cons are balanced, do you think Hans' decision regarding the soldier is a good one? Why or why not?

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