Thinking Writing Set II

Thinking Writing Set II

Be sure to add your new entries to your previous ones. Be sure to number the entries and include my comments. You must respond to the first question. In your writing about The Book Thief, it is always a good idea to include a quotation. It would be wonderful if you would respond to my comments on your previous entries.

1. The music that Hans plays is described as being “the color of darkness”(p. 100). What is it that makes his

music dark and why does Liesel still derive comfort and pleasure from it? It is interesting to note here that Liesel herself is said to be “made of darkness” (p. 84).

2.If you have read to page 186, you know now the background story of the accordion. This is an opportunity to rewrite your initial paragraph, using indented quotations, and to include what you were not able to discuss previously. The accordion will continue to gather meaning throughout the remainder of the book. At the end of our reading of The Book Thief, I will ask you to write a polished essay about the book. One topic that you may choose is to discuss the accordion as a vehicle that carries the essential meanings of the book. Think of your writing now as preparation for that longer essay. You will, however, not be required to write on this theme. I will suggest other approaches as well. My hope is that the germ of your final essay will emerge in some way from your weekly Thinking Writing.

1. If we were to draw a portrait of a child who would one day be an author, we might use Liesel as providing just such an example. There are perhaps many aspects of Liesel’s life you might point to, but I am personally interested in her reaction to certain words or phrases like “the shivering snow” (p. 143). Comment on this example. You may also want to enlarge your discussion to discuss more fully her seeming destiny to be a writer. Again, this could be the beginning of the larger paper you are “destined” to write.

1. The word LUCK occurs 45 times in The Book Thief. Discuss the use of this word up to where we have read: page 40. 57. 64, 74, 117, 153, 156. 158, 169, 174, 183.

1. Here is a great little poem about Luck by Langston Hughes, a great African-American who wrote about the challenges that he and others faced as black men and women in America. He is a reminder as we read The Book Thief that the social and political challenges Liesel, Hans and Max faced were and continue to be part of our own experience.

Luck

Sometimes a crumb falls
From the tables of joy,
Sometimes a bone
Is flung.

To some people
Love is given,
To others
Only heaven.

Comment on the poem or on how it relates to The Book Thief or write your own little poem on Luck. Or better yet, do all three. I am particularly interested in how you understand the last line.

1. Discuss how Robert Frost implicates himself in the love and hate that he says will bring an end to our world.

1. Who saw Liesel steal the book from the fire and why did that person not say anything then or later?

1. Discuss the book Mein Kampf Max carries with him on his way to the Hubermanns. What is that book about? What does the title mean? How might the title ironically relate to Max?
2. Write a very short story or a short poem or draw a picture that illustrates the meaning of ‘autonomous’.

1. Pose and respond to your own question or topic.