There are many themes, symbols and motifs present throughout The Book Thief. Students can explore this by identifying a theme, symbol or motif themselves or, in an “envelope activity” being given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text. Teachers may ask students to identify multiple themes, or illustrate multiple examples of a single theme.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes, symbols or motifs found in The Book Thief. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
Set up a chart on your board or wall where students can record and monitor different themes, symbols, or motifs as they read. This visual tool helps students spot patterns, stay engaged, and share discoveries.
Give each student or group a specific theme, symbol, or motif to follow as they read. This focused responsibility encourages active reading and ensures all key ideas are covered.
Pause after each major reading section for students to share new examples or insights. This routine fosters discussion, reinforces learning, and helps clarify misunderstandings.
Add the best examples and explanations to your chart or digital board as students share them. Highlighting student contributions builds confidence and keeps the chart useful for review.
Guide students to review the full chart and discuss how themes, symbols, and motifs evolved throughout the story. This wrap-up deepens understanding and connects analysis to larger ideas.
The Book Thief explores themes such as the Holocaust, war, friendship, love, identity, suffering, courage, literature, family, prejudice, kindness, hope, and survival. Each theme is woven through the story and can be found in the actions and growth of the characters.
Guide students to look for recurring objects, phrases, or ideas (like books, colors, or the accordion) as they read. Using activities such as envelope tasks or storyboard assignments helps students track and illustrate these motifs and symbols with evidence from the text.
An effective activity is to have students create a storyboard that illustrates examples of themes, symbols, or motifs from the novel. Students can draw scenes, use quotes, and write brief descriptions to show their understanding.
Important symbols include The Gravedigger's Handbook (loss and learning), the accordion (hope and memory), the yellow Jewish star (prejudice), books (power of words), and colors (emotions, death’s perspective).
Encourage students to identify multiple themes or motifs and discuss how they interact or contrast in the story. Using graphic organizers or class discussions helps students deepen their analysis and understanding.