English 9
Theme Essay – The Book Thief
Essay Question:
There are many themes (insights or lasting truths about life) which literature offers readers. Write an
essay that states and fully explains one major theme of the novel The Book Thief. Show how the theme is
developed by the events or characters of the novel, and tell what makes it an important life lesson for the
characters in the novel as well as people today.
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In your introduction, state the theme directly and explain it thoroughly.
In the body of the essay, explain examples from the novel that help to develop the theme. Include at
least six direct quotations from the novel to help support your theme.
Avoid summary – avoid focusing on WHAT HAPPENED and write about WHY IT MATTERS.
In the conclusion, be sure to tell why this theme is an important message for both the characters in
the novel as well as people in the world today.
Remember. . .
1. Write in present tense.
Present Tense: Alex and Barbara Steiner reject the officials’ offer for Rudy’s acceptance into an elite school.
As a result, Alex receives notification that he must depart for military service.
Past Tense: Alex and Barbara Steiner rejected the officials’ offer for Rudy’s acceptance into an elite school. As
a result, Alex received notification that he had to depart for military service.
2. Use 3rd person. Do not write in first person (I, me, my) or second person (you, your).
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I think that Hans risks far too much when he offers bread to the elderly Jewish man marching
through town.
Hans risks far too much when he offers bread to the elderly Jewish man marching through town.
3. You must include direct support from the text. After each piece of evidence from the text you will
include the page number in a citation at the end of the sentence.
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Barbara Steiner says, “When they come and ask you for one of your children, you’re supposed to say
yes” (419).
4. Format your paper using MLA guidelines:
 12-point Times New Roman font
 1” margins, double spaced
 MLA heading:
Your Name
Teacher’s name
Course
Date
Checklist – check these off prior to submitting your paper.
Did I…
 Write in present tense?
 Use third person?
 Include quotes?
 Correctly cite the page numbers for my
quotes?
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Use 12-point Times New Roman font?
Use 1” margins?
Double space?
Use a correct MLA heading?