All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Last Name First Name English II Honors & PIB

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1 Summer Reading for English II Honors and Pre- IB Instructor: Kate Anderson(Honors) and Mella Baxter (Pre- IB) You will be responsible for reading two books over the summer and doing the assignments that go along with each. These reading assignments are NOT optional and will be part of your grade. There are no excuses for not being prepared. If you know you re going out of town, take a book with you. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak You will have two major projects on each novel. These projects will be due the first day of school no exceptions. If you have the class second semester you will need to give the projects to your English teacher the first Friday of school. This will give you time to get acclimated to your schedule. Last Name First Name English II Honors & PIB The Book Thief Figurative Language: This book is full of vivid imagery and unusual figures of speech. While reading The Book Thief, keep track of examples of figurative language and imagery for future use at the beginning of the year. Since I could probably pull several examples from each page of a book this rich in figurative language, I expect that I will not see too many repeats of the same examples; look for the unusual and thought provoking examples. Define: 1- Personification- 2- Metaphor- 3- Simile- 4- Imagery- Examples: Personification: Find 5 examples. Write out the example and list the page number. You may not use mine.

2 Ex/ Page 43- The brass knocker eyed her from the door. 1- Page 2- Page 3- Page 4- Page 5- Page Metaphor: Find 5 examples. Write out the example and list the page number. You may not use mine. Ex/ Page 294- Mamer was a barrel of a man, with two small bullet holes to look out of. 1- Page 2- Page 3- Page 4- Page 5- Page Simile: Find 5 examples. Write out the example and list the page number. You may not use mine. Ex/ Page 294- His teeth were like a soccer crowd, crammed in. 1- Page 2- Page

3 3- Page 4- Page 5- Page Imagery: Find 5 examples. Write out the example and list the page number. You may not use mine. Ex/ Page 12- The sky was like soup, boiling and stirring. In some places, it was burned. There were black crumbs, and pepper, streaked across the redness. 1- Page 2- Page 3- Page 4- Page 5- Page Discussion Questions Pick 10 of these discussion questions to answer by writing paragraphs (yes, paragraphs). This should be your own work, meaning you are working on this alone. Since this is one of the first assignments you will turn in, it is my first chance to see what YOU can do, and the depth of your insight. Let your friends do their own work; this is your grade. 1. (pg 6) Death says, Please be calm I am a result. Result of what? Explain. 2. What is it that draws Death to this girl? Use evidence from the book to back up your opinion on the matter. 3. (pg 24) The day was gray, the color of Europe. What does this mean? Think of the context and time. 4. (pg 36) The chapter The Woman with the Iron Fist is a used to give characterization of Rosa Hubermann. What is your impression of her at this point?

4 5. As on page 50 where Death says, Once they d watched imposing town hall, which in late years would be chopped off at the knees and buried, Death often gives hints or outright statements of what will happen in the future. What effect does this cause for you as you read? 6. (pg 51) Rudy shows Liesel what they call the road of yellow stars. What does that mean or signify in this time and culture? Why are the people moving around that street described by Death in the following way: The drizzle made them look like ghosts. Not humans, but shapes, moving about beneath the lead- colored clouds. 7. (pg 52) Death sees people differently than we do, and as a result, he often uses metaphors to describe them, such as in the case of Pfiffikus. Why do you suppose Markus Zusak chose for Death to see people in this way? Use the description of Pfiffikus as an example. 8. (pg 59) What is the so innocent about Rudy in the conversation he has with his father immediately following The Jesse Owens Incident? 9. (pg 96) Liesel overhears Hans and Rosa discussing Liesel s letter writing to her real mother. What questions arise in Liesel s mind from this? What are your thoughts on the possible answers? Why? 10. (pg 107) Two questions are posed about Hans Hubermann. What do you think? is there cowardice in the acknowledgement of fear? Is there cowardice in being glad that you lived? 11. (pg 115) Liesel figures out who they are. Who are they and what other questions arise? What connections has she made between this they and her own mother? 12. (pg 116) Why does Hans stop Liesel when she says she hates the Fuhrer, especially when he does not like the Fuhrer either? 13. (pg 160) What is ironic about Mein Kampf being the book which Max uses to help his travel to Mulching? 14. (pg 168) If they killed him tonight, at least he would die alive. What can this seemingly impossible statement mean? 15. (pg ) What are the possible parallels between the new character Viktor Chemmel, and Hitler? Why do you think the author would create such a character? 16. (pg 316) Explain the paradox of Max in reference to the metaphor of him being a snowman. The colder he became, the more he melted. 17. (pg 376) Reflect on Death s compassion and his feelings in the paragraph which begins, As is often the case with humans, when I read about them in 18. Reflect on the chapter The Long Walk to Dachau. What feelings are evoked? What is the purpose of this chapter? 19. Explain the possible symbolism of the dominoes in the chapter Dominoes and Darkness. 20. In the chapter The Accident, How does the idea, You get what you deserve seem to apply to the situation of Reinhold Zucker s death? Use examples from the story to illustrate this.

5 The Book Thief Final Project For this project, you will create a book similar to the one Max creates for Liesel that shows your understanding of the text and of literary elements found in the text. Analyzing a Character For your book, you will be summarizing the main plot events as seen through the eyes of one of the characters listed below. It is up to you to determine how they view some of the key plot elements that occur in the book. You will also identify key elements about the character you are assigned. You will only be analyzing one character. Character Assignments Your character will be determined by the first letter of your first name, below you the characters are divided up: IIsa Hermann: A- D Rosa Hubermann: E- H Hans Hubermann: I- L Rudy Steiner: M- P Liesel Meminger: Q- T Max Vandenburg: U- W Death: X- Z Physical Description/Emotional State of Mind Key Plot Events Key Setting for Character Explain the physical and emotional description of your character. What do they look like and what are their personality traits? This should be 1 page of your book. Think about what he exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement would be for your character. This part should be 1-2 pages of your book. Write a description of the key setting you find your character in. For example, if your character is IIsa

6 Hermann you would write about her house and library. (8 Grand Stasse) Key Conflicts Relationship to Others Telling Quotes Symbols/Colors This should be at least 1 page of your book. Write about the key conflicts your character faces. This should be at least 1-2 pages of your book. Write about your character s relationship to others in the book. Explain how they feel about those characters. For example, if your character is Rosa Hubermann you would probably include the characters of Hans, Liesel, and Max. Find at least 5 quotes that represents who your character is. This should be 1 page of your book. Write about any symbols or colors that represent or connect to your character. Also, provide an explanation about the symbol or color and provide a quote for each one listed. *This will vary for each character, but you must find at least 1 thing. Provide both a color and symbol if it works with your character. This should be 1 page of your book. Figurative Language You must provide at least ONE example of the following: Imagery, Personification, Metaphor/Simile, Foreshadowing, Verbal Irony. Note: These may or may not be related to your character.

7 This should be at least 1-2 pages of your book. Theme Identify a theme that was prevalent to you as you read through the book. *Remember, this must be at least 1 complete sentence. The theme may or may not revolve around your character. IT should be a more general statement that can relate to topics outside the book. This should be 1 page of your book. Other Book Requirements: *Your book must be at least 10 pages long. *It may be back or single sheets. You may also create your book digitally if you choose. *You must include some type of graphic for each page. The graphic must have something to do with the information on the page. For example: If you are describing the physicality of a character you would include a picture of the character. This will be due on the first day of school, NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!

8 Last Name First Name English II Honors All Quiet On The Western Front

9 Character Paul Baumer Brief Description Stanislaus Katzinsky (Kat) Albert Kropp Tjaden Detering Character Muller Brief Description Leer

10 Franz Kemmerich Corporal Himmelstoss Kantorek Think and Discuss Questions PRINT or TPYE all Responses- you will need to answer these on a separate sheet of paper. CHAPTERS 1-3 Understanding 1. What is the setting of the opening of the novel and how does the narrator describe the feelings of the men there? 2. Why do the men receive double rations when they return from the front lines? 3. As Franz Kemmerich lies dying in the hospital, which of his personal effects become objects of concern? 4. How were accounts squared with Himmelstoss the evening before the men came to the front? Analyzing 5. In his second visit to see Kemmerich in the hospital what does Paul attempt to do for his comrade and friend? 6. Describe Kat s outstanding abilities.

11 7. Why do Paul and other former students remember their schoolmaster, Kantorek, with such bitterness? Extending 8. In your opinion, what enables men to hold themselves together in the face of the crushing hardships of army life and war? CHAPTER 4-6 Understanding 1. What duty is given to Paul and his comrades at the beginning of chapter 4? 2. What, supposedly, do the men become when they reach the front? 3. During the bombardment at the cemetery how do Paul and his comrades protect themselves? Analyzing 4. The episode of the wounded horses is described in compelling detail. How does the author use irony to increase the impact of this scene? 5. Describe the mood of the scene in which Paul and Kat roast, eat, and then share their goose. 6. Chapters 4-6 are filled with the violence of bombardment, attack, and counterattack. What results are achieved? What does this suggest about the war? Extending 7. What aspect of the depiction of battle in chapters 4-6 had the greatest impact for you? Why? CHAPTERS 7-9 Understanding 1. How has the relationship between Himmelstoss and the other men changed by chapter 7? 2. In what condition is Paul s mother when he is reunited with her on his leave? 3. How does Paul explain Franz s death to Mrs. Kemmerich? 4. What does Paul promise to the man he kills, Gerard Duval? Analyzing 5. In chapter 7 how does Paul relate to his old room and belongings, and what does this mean to him? 6. Characterize the quality of Paul s communication with his family as well as the other civilians he talks to while on leave. 7. Why is Paul frightened by his thoughts about the Russian prisoners he guards? 8. What connections can you find between the episode with the prisoners and Paul s later encounter with Gerard Duval? Extending 9. What might have happened to Paul if he had pursued the effort to know the human identity of those he was pledged to kill, as he had with Gerard Duval? CHAPTERS Understanding 1. What job are the men assigned to at the beginning of chapter 10? 2. Why does Paul assume the French will not bomb the town that he is helping evacuate and in which he gets wounded?

12 3. In chapter 11, what does Detering attempt to do and what is the result? 4. What becomes of the boots inherited from Kemmerich? Analyzing 5. What is the mood of the description of the pig roast and its aftermath? 6. How do Paul and the other patients demonstrate comradeship while in the hospital? 7. With the loss of Kat, what must Paul face? 8. What does it mean for Paul to say that, it will seek its own way out, heedless of the will that is within me (chapter 12, last paragraph). Extending 9. Paul dies on a day that is all quit on the Western Front. Find at least three levels of meaning for the term quiet in this context. 10. In your judgment, is Paul s death necessary to the conclusion of the novel? How would the ending be seriously altered if the final two paragraphs were omitted? Thinking About The Chapters: Chapter 1: Recalling: 1. In what way did the school master Kantorek contribute to the death of Joseph Behm? 2. Which of Paul s comrades were his classmates before the war? Interpreting: 3. How does Katczinsky differ from the other men in his dealings with Ginger the cook? 4. What good has come of the heavy casualties referred to at the beginning of the chapter? Applying: 5. Do you know a character in a book you have read or a film you have seen who did something unpleasant to avoid being called a coward? Discuss. Chapter 2: Recalling: 1. What evidence do we have that Paul is interested in writing? 2. How does Paul react to the death of Kemerich? Interpreting:

13 3. How were Paul and his classmates changed by their army training? 4. Why does Himmelstoss especially dislike Paul and his friends? Applying: 5. Have you ever seen a TV show or film about a bully? How did this experience compare to Paul and his friends? How did the film character resolve the problem? Chapters 3 and 4: Recalling: 1. How does Kropp propose to end the war? 2. How does Kat explain Himmelstoss s bullying? Interpreting: 3. What does Paul mean when he says, To no man does the earth mean so much as to the soldier? 4. Why is Detering so upset by the suffering of the horses? Applying: 5. Describe a difficult decision you have observed a character make in a film or TV show make. Was the decision especially difficult because of the effect it might have had on someone else? Chapters 5, 6, and 7: Recalling: 1. How does Paul s response to the books in his room differ from his response to them before the war? 2. How do Paul s perceptions of the war differ from those of the German-Master and his companions? Interpreting: 3. Why do Paul s memories awaken sorrow rather than desire? 4. Why does Paul say the soldiers would have despised themselves a few years ago for being so easily contented with food and rest? Applying:

14 5. Describe the circumstances in a film or book you are familiar with in which a frightening or unpleasant situation made a character feel close to a friend. Chapters 8, 9, and 10: Recalling: 1. What sort of trade goes on between the Russian prisoners and the local peasants? 2. How does Paul help Albert when the two men are wounded? Interpreting: 3. How does Kropp differ from the others when the men discuss the causes of war? 4. What does Paul mean when he says that a hospital alone shows what war is? Applying: 5. Have you ever observed a character in a film or book who was separated from a close friend? How did he or she handle the situation? Chapters 11 and 12: Recalling: 1. What is Kat s argument for eating lightly during an enemy attack? 2. Why does Paul think the Germans are losing the war? Interpreting: 3. Explain Paul s comparison between the soldiers and the Bushmen. 4. Why does Kat groan at last just at last when he is wounded? Applying: 5. Have you ever seen a movie or TV show in which a character helped a friend to overcome a major crisis? Explain how the character helped and discuss the effect it had on the friendship.

15 All Quiet on the Western Front Final Project The final project for this novel will not be an essay, but instead will be a three- piece collection that illustrates not only your knowledge of the text, but also, your ability to internalize the material. For this project, you must imagine that you are one of the soldiers in Paul s company. Just as Paul has recorded his experiences you too will provide your own outlook on things through this project. The requirements for this project are as follows: I. Create a detailed journal where you will have ten full entries. Your entries must include each of the following items: a. The day and date of the entry b. The location where you are entering the information c. What you are seeing, feeling, and thinking d. Quotes from the book included as conversation II. Create a detailed map that includes not only important markers for WWI, but also chronicles YOUR journey on the battle front III. Create a detailed eulogy to be delivered at your character s funeral. This eulogy should not only cover your war exploits, but should also go into bits of your pre- war life. The assignment will be worth 100 points with the journal entries worth 50 points, and the eulogy and map each worth 25 points. Use the following websites for background information: Charles Fair s Battlefield Guide: This site provides links to other sites concerning various battlefields on the Western Front that contain text and images. Trenches on the Web- Western Front Tourist s Guide This site provides information on locations to visit along the Western Front. There are travel tips and some images of monuments. Trenches on the Web- Map Room Students may select links to many maps of areas involved in WWI This assignment is due on the first day of school, NO EXCEPTIONS!