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How Does Zusak Present Death In The Book Thief

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Alexander Rassael Ms. Heninger English, B block 9/13/16 SOCRATIC SEMINAR QUESTIONS 1) In The Book Thief, Zusak presents Death as a character with thoughts and emotions. How would you describe Death, as he appears in this novel? What concerns him or brings him joy? What do you see as his defining characteristics? Cite key moments from the novel. Death states, “Even Death has a heart.” (Zusak 240). This shows that Death can feel love and can be kind. Death states, “I do not carry a sickle or scythe. I only wear a hooded black robe when it’s cold. And I don’t even have skull-like facial features you seem to enjoy pinning on me from a distance. You want to know what I truly look like? I’ll help you out. Find yourself a mirror while I continue.”(Zusak 306). …show more content…

Death shows throughout the story that he has feelings for people. He talks about things that he likes and dislikes about each character. Death seems to be sad and serious throughout the whole story. He never really shows happiness at all. Death shows love as he kisses the souls he collects to make them feel better(Zusak 350). 2) How does Rudy influence Liesel in her transition to making a new life in Molching? And how does Liesel, in turn, impact Rudy? In what ways are Rudy and Liesel so important for each other? Provide specific examples to support your ideas. Rudy influenced Liesel because he was the first good friend Liesel had in Molching. Liesel influenced Rudy because Rudy liked Liesel and tried to impress her, as well saying that he would kiss her if he beat her in a race. Rudy states, “If I beat you, I get to kiss you.” (Zusak 53). Death tells us that the lover boy was coming out of

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