Parts of Part 5

The Floating Book (Part I)

• This is the section where we learn that Rudy finally gets his long-awaited kiss. What irony does this hold in the fact surrounding his situation?

Rudy’s Youth

• Death paints a ‘portrait’ of Rudy Steiner in July of 1941, Do you think this is the description he should be remembered for? What do you think his most distinguishing characteristic is?
• The Hitler Youth is collectively told that the Fuhrer is always listening , What do you think this makes them feel? Inspired? Motivated? Scared? Intimidated?

Three Acts of Stupidity by Rudy Steiner

• We are, as the title implies, shown three of Rudy’s biggest mistakes ; What would you list as your ‘three acts of stupidity’?
• Does learning about a character’s mistakes make you somewhat ‘bond’ with them? Does it humanize them, in some way?

The Floating Book (Part II)

• How does Victor Chemmel represent the hatred that all classes of people are experiencing? Does he provide some sort of a portal to the inside of the war to Rudy and Liesel?
• Is this Rudy’s one heroic moment?, or does his life consist of many moments strung together?