The Book Thief

The Book Thief

by

Markus Zusak

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Book Thief makes teaching easy.

The Book Thief: Part 8: The Anarchist's Suit Collection Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
On Christmas Eve Liesel decides to give Rudy a present, so she goes with him and they break into Alex Steiner's shop. She picks out a suit for Rudy and has him try it on, but then trips over a mannequin. Concerned, Liesel bends over him and they almost kiss – Death wants them to kiss - but instead she helps him up and wishes him a Merry Christmas.
Liesel's present involves the part of stealing that Rudy likes – empowering himself – but she also makes it seem like a gift from the absent Alex Steiner, rather than a desecration of his shop. Death reminds the reader again of the tragedy in Rudy and Liesel's childhood romance.
Themes
Death Theme Icon
Stealing and Giving Theme Icon
Color, Beauty, and Ugliness Theme Icon