Give two or three examples of the author's structural choices and how each affects you, the reader, based on option 4 below:
- What structural choices does the author make that make you wonder? Is there indentation or odd punctuation? Is there interesting paragraphing or lack of paragraphing? Is there missing punctuation?
- Ask ANY questions in a different paragraph about the text that others can respond and answer.
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ReplyDeleteIn the book The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Zusak uses repeated words to symbolize something important that is happening in the book. One major word that keeps repeating is Saukerl, which means pig. Liesel's mother is always repeating that phrase to everyone, including Liesel, her father, and anyone who she doesn’t like. Another word that is constantly used arscholoch, which means asshole. Again Liesel's mother is constantly using that phrase to refer to Liesel's father who doesn't really work. The last phrase is the word iron, which implies that it is strong. Liesel's mother is referred to having an "iron fist". This means that Liesel's mother is very strong and stubborn and is willing to take whatever actions to achieve her goal.
ReplyDeleteWhen you mentioned that Liesel's mom uses the phrase Saukerl to Liesel, her father and anyone she dislikes.
DeleteDoes that mean that Liesel's mom doesn't like Liesel either.
If yes, is it because she is disobedient? How?
Daisy Galicia
ReplyDeleteHonors Humanities 4
"* * * A DEFINITION NOT FOUND * * *
IN THE DICTIONARY
Not leaving: an act of trust and love,
often deciphered by children. "
At first when I started the book, the way he would put this in the middle of the page confused at me first, but now I understand what the author is reffering to. I think that this is a very unique structure of writing the book because I've never seen anything like it and I think that it makes it easier to understand the book. The author normally explains what a word means or the characteristics of a charcter. I think that since the author did this, it makes the book ineteresting as well as easier to understand.
Well, the structure choice in the story that makes me wonder is the side notes. So why does the author use notes in bold to inform the reader, but why does he do that. The author also writing german in his text (in italic) so I am curious why the author decided to change the language she was writing in.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Brito
DeletePeriod 4
i am also confused why the author mentions german words
Was this done to throw the reader off?
Why are only some German words deffines?
Did the author not want to mention what they mean, since mostof the words are curses and rude language?
Amarelis Raudales.
DeleteI believe that the author uses italics and side notes in order for the reader to have a better understanding of the context. I also believe that he uses this so that the reader can comprehend what Death's perspective is. The author uses German words so that the reader can have a better feeling about the time period and personally it makes me feel like I am there. I find this to be interesting and engaging at the same time.
Daisy Galicia
DeleteI thought that the author made the side notes to help the reader understand what is going on and maybe to show how there can be important through out the book.
To Amarelis: The author uses German words, however sometimes he doesn't define it so how does it give the reader a better understanding?
DeleteTo Daisy: The author does clear up some information with side notes, however some side notes may require more background information for the reader to understand.
What is someone didn't know what Hitler Youth was or how World War II was involved with the story? This can lead to confusion in the reader.
I was wondering why Liesel's mother is very fond of calling people pigs? Is there any historical context that shows why Germans are very fond of calling people pigs? In the book, everyone uses saukerl, or saumensch as their choice of curses. Why is it that Liesel's mother and father have very little education? Was it because of world war one, or just because they were poor?
ReplyDeleteAngela Mendez
DeleteHumanities Honors
Period 4
I was thinking the same thing. The question of the "why Liesel's mother is very fond of calling people pigs?" that is. I noticed that it is mostly said to Germans. That could maybe mean somthing. Maybe to the author, racist Germans are pigs. Maybe by repeating this phrase, he is stressing it.
I don't know it's just something I thought.
DeleteStephanie Brito Period 4
DeleteI Believe it was commun for people to use rude language and call people these rude remarks.
In all places around the world just like here we call people rude mean things.
To Stephanie,
DeleteSo you're saying that the author did this so we could connect with the characters?
I agree with Stephanie that maybe the author is trying to show that most people aren't respectful towards each other and he's probably using that type of dialogue to show that not everything changes throughout time.
DeleteAmarelis Raudales
ReplyDelete***A 2A.M Conversation***
"Is this yours?"
"Yes, Papa."
A tired smile.
Metallic eyes, melting.
"Well, we'd better read it, then."(64).
This is an interesting paragraph because it is short and it does not have much.The author's structual choice also shows that this short interaction between Liesel and her Papa is important and meaningful.I find the fact that the author also mentions Papa's metallic eyes intriguing. I know that this is not the only time the author mentions it. I believe that the emphasis on Papa's eyes is important just as Papa's and Liesel's bond
Samantha Octtaviani
DeletePeriod4
I agree. This example gives the reader the ability to infer that Papa and Liesel have a bond that they didn't have before. It grew overtime. Now Papa is willing to sit with her at 2 in the morning and help her read. This structural choice actually symbolizes the growing relationship Papa and Liesel now have.
Daisy Galicia
DeleteHonors hUmanities Pd. 4
I agree with you because from the beginning that Liesel arrived to her new home with her foster parents, I thought that were was like a special intercation with her foster dad. Her foster dad was always good to her and was the opposite of the foster mom. I think that the author did this to show the bond that Liesel and her foster dad have.
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ReplyDeleteStephanie Brito
ReplyDeletePeriod4
Some Structural choices Zusak choses are Parenthesis and **
A halo surrounded the grim reaper nun, Sister Maria. (By the way-I like this human idea of a grim reaper. I like the scythe. It amuses me.)
(Zusak, 75)
I think its different when the narrator often pops in time to time, and puts in his own personal opinion or a witty remark.the author puts in parenthesis to signal the reader that "death" is trying to put in some of his opinion.
i like the fact that he often uses the ** then puts like small facts or historical contex or other small important details. Like for example
***SOME CRUNCHED NUMBERS ***
In 1933, 90 percent of germans showed unflintching support for Adolf Hitler.
(Zusak 63)
it was pretty useful for the reader since later on the author goes on talking about how Germany is now in World War II and Adolf Hitler is on the radio speaking about how they will win. Liesel's father isnt very much of a supporter of hitler so when the author put that he was forshadowing.
Samantha Octtaviani
ReplyDeleteperiod 4
The author uses certain structural choices in order to give the reader the right kind of emotion and idea. He wants to create a certain feeling and interpretation of the text, and in order to do so he uses even the simplest of things: the way he structures the paragraphs. Whenever there is something he feels needst to be clarified, he seperates the explanation, makes it bold, and stars it. 2-3 exampleS:
***SOME CRUNCHING NUMBERS***
In 1933, 90 percent of Germans showed unflinching suppport for Adolf Hitler.
That leaves 10 percent who didn't.
Hans Hubermann belonged to the 10 percent.
There was a reason for that. (Zusak 63).
***THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN A BOY WHO HATES YOU***
A boy that loves you. (Zusak 52).
***A PORTRAIT OF PFIFIKUS***
He was a delicate frame. He was white hair. He was a black raincoat, brown pants, decomposing shoes and a mouth--and what a mouth it was (Zusak 52).
Zusak could have chosen to leave those things as part of the regular text, however, he decided to focus more on those parts. As a reader, it made it a lot more interesting and meaningful. It also gave death some character. Overall, it is evident that he made some specific structural choices in order to give the reader the interpretation he wants the reader to have.
The author uese The book, The Graves Digger’s Handbook, to highlights the life of Liesel. When her papa finds out the book, he decided to read the book to her, but then he mentioned, “The text was difficult” (Zusak 66). The book could symbolize the different hardship she has to overcome about the the lost of mama and her brother. When her papa was trying to read it, it was hard because no outsiders will understand the experienced she had and.This makes me feel the book was a part of his brother's memory. Therefore, the book was mention though out the chapter.
ReplyDeleteThe story clearly states that the book is connected to her brother and mother. However there is no proof that the book symbolizes the hardship she has to overcome. If the book symbolizes her hardship, then why does Liesel get more books?
DeleteThe author confused me with his use of wordsat firt but looking it up and re-reading it made it much more easier to understand. Also when he put the words in italic it makes it confusing. But doing the reasearch it makes it much more easier after re-reading it
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Sera. His diction throughout the book did bring confusion. Researching the words were necessary!
DeleteSome structual choices that the author uses is that word "Saumensch". This makes me wonder becuase what Zusak is talking about becuase the word"Saumensch" translated meaning of a little dirty pig. Zusak most likey uses this word throught out the book to use as an insult. I dont understand why Leisel's mother uses it very obviously, since it part of her everyday vocabulary, but when Zusazk teand to make her say it he doesnt use any puncuation such as exlimation points and or question marks to represent anger or animosity to expres her feelings
ReplyDeleteI wondered why the author used the word " Saumensch" too. I think maybe it's because he wants to make fun of the Germans or Liesel for not taking showers. Also, I wondered why didn't the author use punctuation to make the word more expressive too but I think the word "Saumensch" is used as a daily vocabulary to Liesel's mother and I think the author wants to show the reader that Liesel's mom education level is not that high.
DeleteMarkus Zusak uses interesting writing structure when he writes the novel, The Book Thief. Throughout the book, the author includes bolded lines from the narrator who informs the reader about the events that are happening in the scene at the moment. This is interesting writing structure because the author intentionally pauses the main story line to add some background information.
ReplyDeleteI agree, but it also makes me wonder why the author chose to do that because the author could have continued with the story by adding more background information on the way. Why would the author intentionally just stop in the middle of the story just to give some background information about the plot or a person?
DeleteStephanie Brito
DeletePeriod 4
i also agree with you gloria, i think that it is to give some background info to the reader, but is he forshadowing some parts as well? at times with the bold text if you keep reading you get that "aha" moment and kind of understand why it was put there since its mentioned again later on in the text
I was confused because of the suthor's writing structure at first. But I think the author chooses to write this way to convey his message and his opinions on the topic to the reader.
DeleteSome examples of structural choices the author uses is when the author wrote "*** Some Facts About Ruday Stiener ***" (45), "Saumensch" (in italics)(55) and "... Rudy Stiener was one of those... who actaully facnied (italics) himself with the ladies" (49)
ReplyDeleteThese structrual choices affect me as the reader becuase, seeing that the author made the choice to "*" something or put a word in italics makes as a reader think that it's something I should remember or something I need to pay more attention to as I keep reading. Furthermore, it makes me wonder if the word or phrase has a deeper meaning to it and it affects me by making me think deeper into the word (I would make connections to the words).
DeleteI never really thought of making connections to the words like you do. As I continue to read, I will try to make more connections like you do, and I will ask myself whether or not there is a deepr message.
DeleteJennifer Santamaria
ReplyDeletePeriod 4
Throughout chapters 9-11, Markus Zusak makes specific structural choices that affect the book. One such example would be the notes the narrator points out within the chapters. The notes being with asterisks (*)and are in bold print. Since death (the narrator) is omniscent, it observes all, and it references notes that might be helpful for the reader later on in the paragraph. In the chapter "The Kiss(A Childhood Decision Maker)," the character Pfiffikus is introduced. Before Pfiffikus begins to speak, the narrator points out that "He was a black raincoat, brown pants, decomposing shoes, and a mouth--and what a mouth it was"(52). This is notation was helpful because it lets the reader know what kind of person Pfiffikus is expected to be like. The punctuation consists of a list with periods at the end. I guess death is just taking a pause from the story to point out a hint, that are usually it's thoughts.
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ReplyDeleteOne structal choice that i think is really interestingis th bold notes that the author puts on the side. At first i was wondering what this can mean because at first it was a little confusing. But then i though about it and maybe the author uses these to say what he is thinking outside of the events going on. Like his on point of view on everything being narrated.
ReplyDeleteI actaully thought that the bolded notes were actaully facts about a person or the scene so that the reader would be able to understand a chracter or the plot more. I also, found these notes more helpful then confusing because when the author gives some information about a person, such as Liesel's new dad, it made me understand him as person in more depth.
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ReplyDeleteAislee Nieves
ReplyDeletePeriod 4
*** THE BOOK'S MEANING ***
1. The last time she saw her brother.
2. The last time she saw her mother.
The chosen evidence was chosen to show that this is placed because it is important to one of the main characters. This book is being mentioned throughout the whole book and has a significant meaning. We didn't know what this meant to Leisel until it was mentioned in bold in the center of page 38. This makes me think that everything that is bold and is at the center of the page is really important to the main character or will be affecting her later on in the book. Details that will later on be used and will connect somehow.
Daisy Galicia
ReplyDeleteHonors Humanities Pd. 4
In the book, The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak often repeats the words "saumensching" and "Saukerl." The word "Saukerl" means a pig. Liesel's foster mom constantly says that word and uses it against anyone who agrevates her. I wonder why the author often repeats these words. I wonder if the author keeps repeating these words to reprtesent something or someone. Is he trying to insult someone or something? And Why?
At first, I saw that word as an insult. However, throughout the book, I think the repition of it turned it into a less offensive term. Also, I think the word gives the reader a better idea of Liesel's relationship with the people aroud her. For exmaple, Liesel's foster mom calls her that, and in my opinion, it's not because she hates Liesel. It just helps to uther show that Liesel's foster mom has "tough love" for Liesel.
DeleteSome structural choices I found strange was that some paragraphs are indented and others are not. As others have said, the small add-ins in bold are also unusual; they are not found in most other books. For example, the author puts:
ReplyDelete“* * * THE BOOK’S MEANING * * *
1. The last time she saw her brother.
2. The last time she saw her mother.” (38)
This explains what was written in the previous paragraph. I believe the author chose to do this because it stands out and the reader will pay more attention to it. It must be important if he makes it bold as well as putting *’s around it.
Waleed Yahya
ReplyDeleteOne structural choice that Markus Zusak made is "*** Papa's Face *** It taveled and wondered, but it disclosed no answers. Not yet"(71). The author made this structural choice between paragraphs to further clarify certain descriptions. Also when the author uses a gramatical error,"Not yet" as a full sentence. I was not exactly sure why the author did this. I was wondering why the author wouldn't just put this in the paragraph?
The author probably did this to emphasize how Papa's face was disturbed and troubled. He also put "Not yet" as a seperate paragraph to foreshadow how the reason would soon be revealed in later chapters.
DeleteAnother word the author repeats is the accordion. He does this because the accordion is a symbol for life and security. This impacts me because the author always includes a scene with the accordion when things are bad. The accordion brings life to people and makes them feel safe. For instance, Liesel and Hans feel that way when the accordion is there. The book, the Grave digger’s handbook is constantly being repeated as well. It’s like a symbol that represents the past and memories. There always has to be a reminder of the past because it’s what keeps people sane. Having a reminder of the past is proof that it was there or that it actually happened. Sometimes these reminders are necessary for people. It allows them to move on and still keep their past with them. The color gray is mentioned too when the speaker is trying to mention something depressing. For instance, the speaker describes the “road of yellow stars”, grey (50). In the speaker’s opinion, this is depressing because the yellow stars are labeling the Jews. For him, it’s grey. Lastly, Führer is being repeated. Führer means leader in German. It’s an allusion, a reference to something else by using a word. Führer references Hitler. I think the author did this so the readers can remember that he is describing life when Hitler ruled and that people called him leader. It’s a symbol in a way because it represents life when Hitler ruled.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThrough out the pgs. 36-80 many words that were in Italics were German words, what i noticed however was that many of the German words were insults. Insults such as "Dummkopf" "Scheissen" "Saukerl" "G'Sindel" "G'Schtinkerdt" "Arsgloch" "Schweine." This makes me wonder whether the author intends to make the Germans look like a bunch of uneducated people whom use alot of curses and vulgarity.
ReplyDeleteDummkopf- idiot
DeleteScheissen- Shit
Saukerl- pig
G'Sindel- Trash
G'Schtinkerdt- Lazy
**Arshloch- asshole
Schweine- pig
Mariela Aviles
ReplyDeletePeriod 4
* * *SOME FACTS ABOUT * * *
ROSA HUBERMANN
She was five feet,one inch tall and wore her browny gray strands of elastic hair in a bun.
To supplement the Hubermann income, she did the washing and ironing for five of the wealthier households in Molching.
Her cooking was atrocious.
- The author uses certain structural choices in order to help the reader understand the text more clearly. At first, when i started reading the book, the way he would put this in the middle would confuse me and wonder to myself why would the reader put these bold words in the middle? But now i kind of understand why he does this. He uses this technique to give context for the reader to understand what he is reading and also to make it more clear. The author normally uses this technique in order to explain what a word means or the characteristics of a charcter.
Lok Ting
ReplyDeletePeriod 4
The comment by Kit689578 was mine. Sorry.
The Book Thief is uses repetiton of "Heil Hitler" to show the impact that Hitler has on this book. However both sides of Hitler is shown in the book.
Although the paragraphs are short they usually don't lack much context. The paragraphs are short enough to keep it interesting, but long enough to cover the subject.
The German words Saumensch (female pig), Saukerl (male pig), and Arschloch (asshole) are repeated throughout the chapters. Apparently, they are insults used by Mama when she's infuriated. Mama called Liesel Saumensch when she refused to take a bath (32). In addition, she often refers to her husband, Hans Hubermann, as either Saukerl or Arschloch (39). These insults are meant to convey her anger and dissatisfaction toward certain people.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think Markus Zusak choses diction with a negative connotation just for the Foster Mothers dialogue?
ReplyDeletei think zusak does that because she she was the one who didnt listen to her family when they were trying to help her be succesful instead she met her present husbband and now she feels the need to cruse him out all day because she is doing nothing but ironing clothes all day
DeleteI believe the author wanted to set a certain mood for the readers when they read about her. It also might be a foil for the foster dad. He on the other hand is gentle and caring while the mother calls Liesel a saumensch(pig).
DeleteI think the author uses negative connotation for the mother because Liesel was treated badly and she is a mean person
Deletein the novel "the book thief" the markus zusak uses different different structual choices. for example zusak would define a unknown word and put it in a bold print. lisel aka the bed wetter had a book she took from a grave yard digger, it was the day her brther was buried. she kept the book as a reminder to her always. then zusak inputs "***the books meaning*** 1. the last time she her briother 2.the last time she saw her brother" (38). the reader now can really understand why she kept the book instead of guessing what it meant. another example of a structual choice is how zusak uses repeated words such as bed wetter and accordion. those two words have a connection. they both represent liesel, who would always wet her bed after having a nightmare about her dead brother, and papa who always played the accordion to calm her down.
ReplyDeleteYing Ying Zhen
ReplyDeleteThe author repeated words that highlighted the important part of the book. Some repeated words were Saukerl, Schweine, and watschen. Saukerl and Schweine mean pigs. Liesel's foster mother often called Liesel a pig when she refused to take a bath. The foster mother also used toward anyone that she doesn’t like. Watschen is a good hiding. The teacher "Sister Maria" always used Watschen to punished student who was not respectful. Those words all have negative meanings. It showed that they were uneducated to compare pigs to people. It impacted me by providing me a deep impression after reading the chapter.
Edson Acosta Period 4
ReplyDeleteMarkus Zusak's Structural Choices
In the novel, The Book Theif the author Markus Zusak uses specific structural choices to a convey certain idea. In the novel, the narrator said, "Jewish shop owners were put out of business- propaganda informed him that it was only a matter of time" (59). This quote shows the authors structural choices from the use of the "-". This punctuation choice shows the continous idea and the ephaisis of the characters support on nazi ideas. Another quote says that, "90 percent of Germans showed unflinching support for Adolf Hitler. That leaves 10 percent who didn't" (63). This quote shows the author's structural choices from the use of the fragment and seperation of these two sentences. This structural choice conveys the idea of that the 10 percent that didn't support Hitler is forgotten and unimportant. The author Markus Zusak used specific structural choices to help convey certain ideas.
How come the author does not put the bolded parts with the rest of text? How does isolating the text compare with putting it in parenthesis along with the rest of the paragraph?
ReplyDeleteI believe the author did this because it is a way to grab the reader's attention to something outside the story itself.
DeleteI wonder why if Rudy likes Liesel, why would he threw her a snowball? i know when people likes them, they will flirt or tease them. But he just threw a muddy snowball that showed more hate then love.
ReplyDeleteI think that since Rudy is still a boy, he doesn't know how to express his feelings to Liesel so he just threw the snowball at her. Love and hate are actually really closely connected so you could hate and love someone at the same time. That is why I think that Rudy threw the snowball at Liesel.
DeleteI think he threw a snowball at her was because Liesel caught his ball when he threw it.
DeleteI think Rudy threw a snowball at Liesel because Liesel caught his ball when he threw it.
DeleteI have a question why does the author always use curses in the novel? Is it suppose to represent the type of people the Germans were or what?
ReplyDeleteI think he uses curses to show the type of people Liesel's parents are. We can see the difference between her mom and dad.
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ReplyDeleteI think that when the author uses italic or bold words, he tries to show us a definition or breaks down what certain things mean. for example, he tells us what BDM stands for and how it's related to Liesel. Also, he uses words such as saukerl and arschloch. With this type of language used, we can see the type of people Liesel is living with, like the type of person her mom is compared to her father.
ReplyDeleteSome questions that I have towards the characters has to do with the things they say. When Leisel's foster father tries to express himself trhough his art and music, why does Leisel'd mother deprive him of not being nothing but usesless and a drunk.The diction Leisel's mother uses has so much to do with her father being a drunk, but does she not know why he doesnt seem to be something in that picture?.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering why Frau Diller refuses to serve anyone who doesn't say "heil Hitler" when they enter her shop (49). I assume everyone in the neighborhood is German, with the exception of the road of yellow stars. She seems very strict because she had a "soldier-like posture" (49). Does she worship Hitler? Is she nationalist or militarist?
ReplyDeletei had the same question. I think that she tells people to "heil Hitler," becaus ehe's probably really proud to be a German nad she was probably one the many that supported Hitler during the time period.
DeleteIt is clear that Frau Diller worships Hitler because she has a framed photo of him on the wall (50). The fact that it's "framed" emphasizes how much she adores him. Since Frau Diller supports Hitler, she is a Nazi, meaning she's both nationalist and militarist.
DeleteAs i was reading, i noticed that the author repeats German words such as Saumensch which means female pig, Saukerl which means male pig and Arschloch which means asshole. Based on his repition of words,I think the author uses these types of words in order to show the anger and frustration of Mama towards certain people.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYing Ying Zhen
ReplyDeleteWhy did the author illustrated Rosa as uneducated and her husband as educated when they only have a grade level difference?
I think it's because the author wants to show that Han experienced more in life than Rosa. Also, I think the author wants to make Rosa as uneducated in purpose because he kept using the word " Sausmench" when Rosa speaks.
DeleteHans Hubermann is actually not that educated because he has a slow reading pace (65) and struggles with some words in "The Grave Digger's Handbook" (66). The fact that he's teaching Liesel to read and write demonstrates his fatherly love for her. Therefore, the author's intent was not to illustrate Hans as more educated than Rosa, but rather to show the bond between Hans and Liesel.
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ReplyDeletei wonder why the author uses such language in order to express the emotions that the characters are facing. Are the words supposed to represent the way German people were towards the jews?
ReplyDeleteWaleed Yahya
ReplyDeleteThe words saukeral and saumensch were continuosly repeated throghout the book. These words mean various insults and these words come directly from Mama. These words practically represented who she was because of how much she used it. I also began to think how Mama was beginning to rub off on Liesel and that they had a resemblence because of their choice of words. You can see this when Liesel is in class and the other kids are picking on her so she beats two of them up and curses them the way Mama did(78). Also the way she shows tough love to Rudy comes from Mama. These words actually impacted me because it gave me all of this information.
There's one particular scene in the book where the author describes how Liesel's father handles her nightmares. He describes the first few nights by mentioning the father would often fall asleep in her rocking chair. Then, suddenly, he breaks from paragraphing and defines a phrase: "Not Leaving." Once the author reveals to us that Liesel's definition of this involves trust, the next scene becomes more sentimental for the reader, especially when he says: "Liesel would cry into his sleeves and breathe him in" (37). I wondered why the author separated these two scenes, until I saw the drastic change between Liesel and her father's bond. Once trust was introduced into the equation, her father slept WITH her every night and never left. We, as readers, were able to almost watch this bond grow, using his formatting and our imaginations as guides.
ReplyDeleteEdwin Chung Period 4
ReplyDeleteAuthor Structual Choices:
The author repeated the workd "accordion" throughout the book. The word accordion is an instrument that Han Hubermann plays. Throughout this book this word is used to describe the mood of the situation which varies throughout the book. During this time period Hitler was in rule and 90 percent of the people were for him. Han Hubermann in the other hand is the 10 percent When Han was talking about Hitler's rule in Germany his reaction was a "accordion face"(74) THis shows that Han was upset since he hates and goes against the ideas of Hitler. Which means that accordion in this case creates a mood that pertains with anger. However this word varies throughout the book. Therefore the author repeated this word to lighten up the mood.
Why does the author make Rudy and Liesel become the best of friends? Is there friendshi9p suppose to represent a symbol?
ReplyDeleteThe structure choices of the author are very unique because he makes me wonder why he uses certain ways of writing. One structure that he used was finishing each point with a reminder, fact, drawing or information.For example, after he talked about Liesel presenting her friends (46), he ended the the point with the description of Liesel's best friend, Rudy. The way he ended his points makes me wonder why he chose to write in the way he did but as I read the book, I understood that he wanted the reader to have some context about the next point. Another structure choice that Zusak used was using German's word. One example was he used the word,"Saumensch" and he wrote it in Italic. The word,"Saumensch" means pig. The way the author wrote makes me wonder why he chose that word but I think he chose it to make fun of the character.
ReplyDeleteTwo structural choices the author, Markus Zusak, used was repition and text format. Zusak tend to repeat the words "saumensch" and "sakerl". These words both mean "filthy pig". The more Zusak repeated this word, the more the value of the word changed. This word was first introduced to the reader when Liesel's new mom called her by it. Then, throughout the book, the value of it became less offensive and a bit more "normal". In addition, Zusak used a unique text format. Zusak bolded and centered some areas of the text. Usually that type of text was intended to give the reader some backround information. Using that kind of format is actually a bit unusal because we don't see it often. These are two structual choices that Zusak used.
ReplyDeleteThe use of these structual choices helped to attract the reader. The repetition of words helped to give the text a certain flow. That flow contributed to the reader's reaction to the text because the meaning of a word can change if it keeps getting repeated. The author's text format also helped to attract the reader. Not only did it attract the reader by the way it looked, but it also attracted the reader because it helped to inform the reader. That way, the reader didn't have to stop reading due to any confusion. In other words, the format attracted the reader because it helped to clearify any confusion. Overall, the author's use of structual choices helped to create a vibe to the book that attracted the reader.
The author wrote words in bold to make sure the reader knows its an important piece of information. The information he put in bold was descriptions of people, settings and definitions. He also italicizes German words such as "saukerl" which means bastard. He wants the reader to know that word may have a deeper meaning throughout the book. I believe it symbolizes how the Jews were treated by the Germans. Do you believe the book symbolizes something? What do you think it symbolizes?
ReplyDeleteYves Vilson
ReplyDeleteHonors Humanities pd.4
In the text, the author uses repeated words as insults in the German language to imply that this was part of the German Culture and also symbolize the way the people in Germany speak to each other and how they interact with one another. Such words the author repeated were Saumensch and Saukerl. These are insults in the German language used not so much as to offend someone but more in a teasing, playful manner. It shows me that diction can be manipulated and in a way changed to allude or mean something else.
***A PORTRAIT OF PFIFFIKUS***
ReplyDeleteHe was a delicate frame.
He was white hair.
He was a black raincoat, brown pants,
decomposing shoes, and a mouth- and what a mouth it was.
This was a humorous note from te author in my opinion but what was really discerning to me about it was that his out of everything wong with him, the author focused most on his mouth and that made me focus on his mouth and hsat in particular was wrong with it. The hyphen itself proved to be a punctuation that would add to the last statement being about his mouth and it made me expect something to be wrong his mouth.This structure added flavor to what was told after it because it would make me futher understand the interactions between him and Liesel and why she acted the way she did towards him.
***September -November 1939***
ReplyDelete1. World One Begins
2. Liesel Meminger becomes the heavyweight
champion of the school yard
I found this break to be interesting because it was short and introduction to the chapter. This break is seems to be foreshadowing what moves Liesel is going to do next. When I read this break I predicted that Liesel was going to do some fighting for some type of special reason. As it turned out, I was correct Liesel fought a classmate because he was making fun of her. Overall,I wonder why the author uses short sentences to create a break.
What are the authors real intentions for creating these breaks?
"***A PORTRAIT OF PFIFFIKUS***
ReplyDeleteHe was a delicate frame.
He was white hair.
He was a black raincoat, brown pants,
decomposing shoes, and a mouth- and what a mouth it was."(52)
This was a humorous note from the author in my opinion. Though what was really discerning to me about it was how he spoke of Pfiffikus's mouth. Out of everything wrong with him, the author focused most on his oral predicament. That then made me focus on his mouth and made me wonder what in particular was wrong with it. The hyphen itself proved to be a punctuation that would add to the last statement, being about his mouth, and it made me guess something to be wrong with his mouth.This structure added flavor to what was told afterwards because it would make me futher understand the interactions between Pfiffikus and Liesel and why she acted the way she did towards him.
Wilson Hinh
ReplyDeletePeriod 4 Honors
* * * Some Crunched Numbers * * *
In 1933,90 percent of Germans showed unflinching
support for Adolf Hitler
That leaves 10 percent who didn't.
Hans Hubermann belonged to the 10 percent.
There was a reason for that (63)
This is a very common type of structural choice used by the author. One of the very first times that the author used this type of structural choice was to clarify and tell the reader that the narrator would actually be death. Indentation is seen almost every line in these types of structural choices and in these types of paragraphs break down and clarification of what is going on in the book is shown. It can be formatted like a normal paragraph, but to notify the reader more. They used this type of unique punctuation and indentation.
Another time, the author uses more then one type of structural choosing to clarify small details for the reader, for example "Come on, you two" Kurt (the oldest of the Stiener children)" (51). By putting in parenthesis witth background information right after the line and introduction of a character. It clarifies for the reader who Kurt would be. If this structural choice wasn't used this character would just appear in the book, and keep appearing without the reader knowing who he is. This kind of line is written like a normal sentence, with just the addition of the background information in parenthesis.
In the text, the author uses repeated words as insults in the German language to imply that this was part of the German culture. These words also symbolize the way the people in Germany speak to each other and how they interact with one another. Words the author repeats throughout the text so far are Saumensch and Saukerl. These are insults in the German language used not so much as to offend someone but more in a teasing, playful manner. It shows me that diction can be manipulated and in a way changed to allude or mean something else;in the German culture, an insult can symbolize love.
ReplyDeleteThe author wrote words in bold to make sure the reader knows that it's an important piece of information. The information he put in bold were descriptions of people, dates, settings and definitions. He also italicizes German words such as "saukerl" which means bastard. He wants the reader to know that word may have a deeper meaning throughout the book. He also wants the reader to pay close attention to those words. The author also ends of the paragraph saying something, the the bolder words after it explains it. For example the last sentence says "a few times, she was given what was known as a Watschen in the corridor" and the bolded words after it said "*** A DEFINITION*** Watschen= a good hiding. The author does that to transition to the next paragraph or idea. The author also bolded words to give the reader an idea of what that certain paragraph would be about. I believe ithe harsh german words he used symbolizes how the Jews were treated by the Germans.
ReplyDeleteThe author repeated words that highlighted the important parts of the book. The words Saukerl, Schweine, and watschen were repeated several times. Both Saukerl and Schweine mean pigs. Liesel's foster mother, Rosa, often insulted Liesel as a pig when she refused to take a bath. Rosa used the words to insult anyone that she didn’t like. In addition, Liesel applied pig to people when she was influenced by Rosa. Those words all have negative meanings. It showed that they were uneducated to compare pigs to people. Watschen is a good hiding. Liesel always tried to hide when the teacher Sister Maria wanted to punish her. It impacted me by providing a deep impression after reading the chapter. It showed how the characters acted toward people.
ReplyDeleteKevin Alonso
ReplyDeleteHonors Humanities 4
One of the structural choices the author makes that makes me wonder is the author decides to incorporate side notes in the text which are placed between paragraphs which provide an explanation of an indicated word or idea. Throughout the chapters it is highlighted by stars. An example would be ***A DEFINITION NOT FOUND *** IN THE DICTIONARY
Another structural choice that is interesting is the author indents in some paragraphs and doesn't indent in others. It seems as if every time that the author indents a new action occurs or another description is given.
Kevin Alonso
ReplyDeleteHonors Humanities 4
The terms that are repeated are "Hail Hitler" and "Yellow Stars". The impact that the terms “Hail Hitler” and “Yellow Stars” has on me is that it makes me remember about when Hitler was in power. The hatred he had against the Jews and how these “Yellow Stars” were placed on Jewish shops to help the Germans identify that the shops were run by Jews. When I hear “Hail Hitler” it reminds me of the vast majority of Germans who supported Hitler and appreciated/idolized him as the leader of their nation. It surprises me at first how Rudy’s dad would tell his son Rudy that he can’t idolize Jesse Owens and that he shouldn’t be like him because he is black. Yet it surprised me at first, it’s understanding, because the Germans were racist towards any other race that was not Aryan since they believed Aryans was the more superior race, so its understanding why Rudy’s father wouldn’t want his son to be like a person that is from another race rather than his own. The Gravedigger’s handbook is also repeated and highlighted because it is the book Liesel “stole” making her “the book thief”. I believe that the Grave digger’s handbook is a symbol because although it might just be an ordinary black book with silver writing on it, it keeps appearing throughout the book. It might be a symbol of death, because it’s a gravedigger’s handbook but also could be motivation, because Liesel wants to learn how to read in order so she could read the book and find out what it’s all about.
One form of structural choices the author makes is that he uses repetition. The words “The Gravedigger’s Handbook” and “accordion” are repeated throughout the book. These words have mean something very important to Liesel since her life isn’t so perfect. For example, the “Gravedigger’s Handbook” means the last time she saw her brother. Keeping the book under her mattress is what brings her comfort and a memory of her brother. Another form of comfort is when Papa plays the accordion. The “accordion” symbolizes peace and love and brings happiness to Liesel. Papa would always play the accordion for Liesel and she would always enjoy it. She enjoyed so much she realized the real reason why he plays the accordion. Papa plays the accordion because he tells stories when he plays. These words can also be referred to symbols as well. Realizing the meaning to these words, I was able to comprehend Liesel’s life a bit better. I was able to see what her painkillers were since her brother death impacted her in negative way. Why did the author choose these symbols? What would of happened if he choose other symbols?
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