Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Personification is a literary device in which non-human entities, objects, or abstract ideas are given human characteristics. In The Book Thief, the Narrator is an example of personified character.

• What entity, object, or abstract idea achieves the role of the Narrator through personification in The Book Thief, and what basic human traits are granted in the role? (topic sentence)
• Give three examples from the text in which the Narrator’s human qualities are evident or in which the Narrator participates in human interactions.
• How does the reader gain insight into the Narrator’s journey through personification? Respond in your concluding sentence or sentences.

2. Color serves a variety of purposes throughout The Book Thief.

• Identify one color used consistently or repeatedly in the novel. (topic sentence)
• Provide three examples of the ways that color is used in the novel; for each, discuss how the reference to the color connects to plot and characters.