Independent+Novel+Study

Emily Groseth Dec. 2, 2011 Title of book: __**The Thief Lord**__ by Cornelia Funke Pages read: pg. 1-67
 * __Journal Entry #1__**

3. **__What has happened before the novel began?__**

Before the novel began, two boys named Prosper and Boniface (Bo) lost their mother. Since their mother raised them by herself they were orphaned. The boys' aunt and uncle (Mr. and Mrs. Hartlieb) wanted to adopt the younger brother, Boniface, but not Prosper. They planned to send Prosper to boarding school and only let him see his brother once a month. Because of this, Prosper and Boniface ran from their grandfather's house in Hamburg. They had run away eight weeks prior to the beginning of the story. Their aunt and uncle believe that they have tracked them all the way to Venice, Italy. This is where the story begins, with their aunt, Esther, and her husband hiring a detective in Venice.

4. **__What's going on as the story begins?__**

The story begins in Venice, Italy with a detective named Victor Getz. Prosper and Boniface's aunt, Esther, and her husband want to hire the detective to find the children. It is learned that the boys had run away eight weeks previous and Mr. and Mrs. Hartlieb believe that they have made their way to Venice. Mr. Getz accepts the job and begins to look for Prosper and Bo. The boys really are in Venice and they are out in the street buying things they need with a girl called Hornet. When Prosper and Bo originally arrived at the city they had to fend completely for themselves. Things had started to look desperate, until Hornet had appeared and taken them to her hiding place. Now, the boys are staying with Riccio and Mosca, the other children living in the abandoned movie theater called the Stella. All of them are provided for by Scipio, also known as The Thief Lord. His raids provide them with the money to survive.

7. **__What is the initial or first problem faced by the main character?__**

The initial problem faced by Prosper is the detective spotting him and Riccio in the street. He runs through the streets, pulling Riccio with him and trying to hide. Prosper doesn't know why the detective is following him, but he is sure that he is searching for him and his brother. They dodge down narrow confusing streets trying to lose Mr. Getz. Just when they think they have lost him, they see him in the bustling crowd. Prosper and Riccio jump on a boat to cross the Grand Canal and finally lose him. When they return to the hideout, Prosper isn't sure whether he should tell the others or not. He fears that they may be a danger to everyone and that he and his brother might get kicked out.

**__ Journal Entry #2 __**

Dec. 9th, 2011 Pages read: pg. 67-127

9. **__What new things are added to the original problem as the novel progresses?__** New complications arise when The Thief Lord is offered a "job" by a client of Barbarossa, the man they sell stolen goods to. Barbarossa says that a client of his called the Conte needs a skilled thief to obtain something for him. Scipio and his entourage are asked to meet him in an old church called the Basilica. Unfortunately, they are spotted by Victor Getz, the detective. Although Prosper and Bo's hair had been cut and dyed, Victor still recognized them. Prosper, Mosca and Scipio entered the Basilica to meet with the Conte, while Bo and the others waited outside. Mr. Getz feeds the pigeons to make them land on him in order to get Bo's attention. Sure enough, Bo wanders over because he is bored and starts talking to the detective. Since Bo has no idea who he is talking to and he is fairly young, he lets a few things slip that he probably shouldn't have. Finally, Scipio, Prosper and Mosca exit the Basilica after their meeting with the Conte carrying the basket and information he had given them in an envelope. Prosper sees Boniface talking to the detective and he begins to run towards them. Victor quickly says goodbye to Bo and disappears into the crowds of tourists that clog the streets. The detective learned far more about the group of children than they would have liked.

10. __**What plot twists or unexpected events happen as the novel goes on?**__ After his second encounter with the children, Mr. Getz begins to think about what he learned from his conversation with Bo. He recalls Bo saying something about living in an abandoned movie theater. He narrows it down to two theaters both owned by Dottor Massimo. Since one theater is still in operation, Victor goes to see Mr. Massimo to get permission to search the other. The dottore is very well off and well known throughout Venice. Upon meeting him Victor sees none other than Scipio. In this encounter we learn that The Thief Lord is actually the son of Dottor Massimo. Scipio and the detective recognize eachother immediately and Scipio runs to warn the others. Victor now knows where the children are and has permission to search the theater. When he enters the theater it seems deserted, but little does he know, it's a trap. The children tackle Mr. Getz, tie him up and lock him in the men's bathroom.

5. **__Who is telling the story? How does this person’s perspective effect the way the story is told?__** The story is told from a limited omniscient point of view. This affects the way the story is told because you get to experience the perspective and situation of multiple characters as opposed to those of just one. If the story was told from Prosper's point of view only, we would not learn about the actions of the detective, his meeting with Dottor Massimo or the fact that Scipio is the dottore's son. Also, the beginning of the story would not be the same as Prosper and Bo had no idea that their aunt and uncle had tracked them to Venice. The reader would not learn of the detective until the first encounter between he and the children had occurred.

**__Journal Entry #3__** Dec. 15, 2011 Pages read: pg. 128-176

13. __**To what age group is the novel aimed? Support your answer with evidence.**__ I believe that this novel is aimed at a younger group of readers, although it is just as entertaining to someone older. I believe this because the story seems to be mainly told from the children's point of view and would be easier to connect with for people of the same age. There is a distinct comparison between the children and the adults in the story and it shows how the two age groups view eachother. There is also a lot of magic, mystery and imagination in the story which often greatly appeals to a younger group of readers, who tend to be far more open minded and accepting of these ideas. Also, the language used in the novel is not overly complex or too simple and would be suitable for a wide age group.

8. __**How does the author get you to read on or hold your interest?**__ The author gets you to read on by making you think continuously and leaving you wondering what will happen next. The story moves along at a fairly fast pace with magic, action, and some suspense. There are many twists and unexpected events in the plot of the story. The author draws you into the minds of her characters and lets you connect with their thoughts and feelings. At one point the story became very interesting because the reader learns the true identity of Scipio before his friends do. It leaves the reader wondering when they would find out that Scipio was lying to them and what their reaction would be when they did. Then, Prosper, Bo, Hornet and the other two boys learn about Scipio's true identity, learn that he is well off and not an orphan or thief at all. They are incredibly angry and feel betrayed, so they decide to rob the house of Ida Spavento without the help of the "Thief Lord." During this robbery they are caught by Ida Spavento who apprehends them and holds them at gunpoint. This is a very exciting and engaging part of the novel that makes you want to read on in order to see what will become of the children next.

12. **__Is the language in the novel difficult or easy? Give examples and explain.__**

The language used in the novel is not overly simple or complex. It is written in such a way that the story can be enjoyed and understood by a wide range of ages. The dialogue in the conversations of the story is fairly simple and easy to understand. The children use straightforward, casual language with eachother. An example: "We'll see what Scipio has to say about this!" he grumbled. "Maybe you'll listen to //him//." "If he turns up," said Prosper. "What? I thought you were going to meet him." Mosca got to his feet. "We waited for two hours by the newsstand," Hornet replied, "but he never came."

__**Journal Entry #4**__ Jan. 6th, 2012 Pages Read: pg.176 - 245

**14.__ Is there a message or main theme emerging in the book? How is it shown? __**

I believe that there is a message or main theme emerging in the book. I think that the theme of the story is about how the young always dream about growing up, while the old wish they had their youth again. Children always wish to grow up because they want to have more influence, responsibility and control over their own lives. Those who are old want to regain the freedom of youth and relive their young dreams. The story also relates to the way young people and those older view eachother and the rest of the world. Prosper, Bo and the others are informed by Ida Spavento, that the wooden wing they have been asked to steal belongs to a merry-go-round. It’s the wing of a lion and the merry-go-round is supposedly magic, having the ability to age the young and make the old young once more. Scipio, the “Thief Lord” deeply wishes to be grown-up and independent. He wants this because he is tired of feeling small and weak in the huge house of his father, who is nothing like him and is not understanding at all. In contrast, the Conte (who’s real name is Renzo) and his female companion, Morosina, wish to have their youth again. Both Scipio and the Conte want to ride the merry-go-round for the opposite reasons. The theme of the story is mainly expressed in the thoughts, dialogue and interactions of the characters. One quote that I find expresses the theme is “He wants to be grown-up. How different dreams can be,” spoken by Morosina. The Conte continues by saying, “Nature will soon grant your wish, we wish the opposite to be true.”

** 17. ** __** How are the major and minor conflicts solved **__

One conflict arises when the children are caught by Ida Spavento in their attempt to steal the wing. At first, Ida is holding them at gunpoint and the children are terrified. Then, after some explanation on why they were in her house and what they were looking for, Signora Spavento invites them into the kitchen and tells them the story of the object they intended to steal. Of course, the children still want the wing to deliver to the Conte and collect their reward, but Ida doesn't have any reason to give it to them willingly. Finally, this conflict is resolved by the children making a deal with Ida Spavento. They agree to let her come with them when they go to deliver the wing to the Conte. The next conflict that appears is worse than the first. When Prosper, Riccio and Mosca return from their meeting with the Conte and find that Hornet and Bo are not in the hideout. The boys eventually learn, with the help of Victor Getz, that their hideout was discovered, Bo had been returned to Mrs. and Mr. Hartlieb and Hornet had been put into the orphanage of the Merciful Sisters. They go to see Ida Spavento (for she had asked them to visit anyways) and ask for her help. She allows the boys to stay in her house and she and Victor come up with a plan to get Hornet out of the orphanage. Eventually Ida and Victor succeed in getting Hornet by pretending that Ida is her godmother. Signora Spavento has some connections with the orphanage and had made some generous past donations, so that contributed to their success. Unfortunately, the issue of retrieving Bo from Aunt Esther and her husband is a harder matter. This conflict is yet to be resolved.

20. ** __ Is the novel believable? __ **

I would say that this novel, for the most part, is believable. It is set in Venice, a real city in Italy, which is described quite well and realistically. The idea of the children being orphaned, on the street and hiding in an abandoned movie theater is something I find quite easy to comprehend. I am sure homeless children and adults alike exist in disturbing numbers within every city across the globe. Many of those less fortunate sometimes do resort to theft and sales of stolen goods in order to survive. So, I find that the setting and the characters of the story are quite believable. The one thing in the story that is not believable is the mystical merry-go-round of the Merciful Sisters. This merry-go-round is said to be magic, having the ability when ridden, to make the young age and the old become young again. Although it might be considered the least believable part of the story it is an important part and perhaps it is received better by someone who keeps an open mind.

** __Journal Entry #5__ **

Jan. 13, 2012 Pages Read: pg. 245-345

16. __What is the climax of the novel?__

I believe that the climax of the novel is when Barbarossa rides the merry-go-round of the Merciful Sisters and breaks the wing of the wooden lion. It seems that all the events lead up to this one moment and everything begins to fall into place afterwards. The building of excitement and tension begins when Scipio asks Prosper to return to the Isola Segreta (Secret Island) with him to confront the Conte. Scipio wants to do this because the Conte payed them with fake money and he wants a ride on the merry-go-round of the Merciful Sisters as his real payment. Once the boys located the island once more they are caught by a young girl and her two huge, white mastiffs. It is only the next day when they are allowed to see the Conte that they realize the boy and girl on the island are really the Conte and Morosina. The merry-go-round really can transform the old to young and young to old. Both Scipio and Prosper are offered to ride the merry-go-round, but only Scipio does. Then, Barbarossa appears at the island unexpectedly. He forces Morosina to take him to the merry-go-round. Scipio comes out of hiding to confront him and since he now looks exactly like his father, Barbarossa believes that he is Dottor Massimo. They let him ride the merry-go-round, but he does not know what will happen. When the merry-go-round accelerates to a frightening speed, Barbarossa kicks, screams and panics, breaking off the lion's wing. This destroys the magic of the merry-go-round and renders it useless. After this point on, the remaining conflicts begin to resolve themselves. Bo escaped from Esther earlier and is now staying with Ida Spavento and the others. Esther is planning to leave with her husband, but before she does, she is tricked into adopting the child Barbarossa. This resolves the final conflict of the story.

18. __What were the major things that helped to resolve the plot?__

The first major thing that helped to resolve the plot was Ida Spavento and Victor Getz getting Hornet out of the orphanage. After the hideout was discovered and Bo and Hornet were captured, Hornet was put into the orphanage of the Merciful Sisters. Victor and Ida devised a plan to get her back. Since Ida is well known and respected at the orphanage due to some generous donations of the past, it made it all the easier. They went to the orphanage, Ida pretending to be Hornet's godmother and Victor pretending to be a lawyer. With a well woven story about Hornet running away from her parents who were always fighting, they got her out of the orphanage and back to the others. The next major thing that helped resolve the plot was Bo managing to escape his aunt and uncle. He created such a commotion, tearing tablecloths at restaurants, spilling food and screaming that he got aunt Esther and her husband kicked out of their hotel. Then, he ran away and hid in the abandoned movie theater. Boniface had caused so much trouble for the Hartliebs that they no longer wanted to take him back. Esther called Victor Getz and informed him that if the boys were found, he should put them in a decent orphanage. Victor knew the only place Bo would go, so he went to the theater, collected Bo and took him to Ida Spavento's house to be with the others. When Prosper and Scipio return from the island to their worried friends, a knew problem comes up. Barbarossa has been turned into a child by the merry-go-round, there is no way for him to support himself and Ida Spavento does not want to care for him. So, this leads to the final thing that helps resolve the plot, which is Ida tricking Esther Hartlieb into adopting Barbarossa. She pretends to be one of the Merciful Sisters from the orphanage claiming that they need some paperwork done for Prosper and Bo. They make Barbarossa seem like the most angelic, well mannered child possible and Esther takes the bait. Simple as that, Barbarossa has his new foster mother. This is the final conflict resolved in the story.

21. __Why would you (or why wouldn't you) recommend this novel to a friend?__

I think that I would recommend "The Thief Lord" to a friend. Although it is not the most challenging book to read, it is a very exiting and enjoyable adventure story. The story is one that can be enjoyed and fully understood by a wide variety of ages. Some aspects are very realistic while others delve into the world of mystery and fantasy. The author has written it in a manner that makes you want to read on and find out what happens to the children next. The plot twists that happen so often in "The Thief Lord" always keep the reader guessing right until the very end. In conclusion, I believe that this book has something to offer for everyone, lovers of adventure, mystery, fantasy and many others. It is a story that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

__**Thief Lord Focus Assignment**__

__**Characterization**__

__**Prosper**__

Prosper is twelve years old, dark haired and more serious looking than his younger brother, Boniface or Bo. He is a very dedicated, loyal and determined boy. After their mother died, the brothers were left with only eachother. This is probably the reason for Prosper being so protective of Bo. He would do almost anything to protect his brother and tries to set a good example with his own actions as best he can. Prosper is honest by nature and hates having to steal from others in order to get by. He seems to have strong morals, as he forbade Bo from ever stealing anything and scolded him harshly whenever he tried. Bo seems to take most things lightly, treating theft and being chased by a detective as nothing but exciting games. Prosper, on the other hand, is quite serious in comparison and his mind is always alert and thinking. In the novel it states that when Bo was sleeping soundly, Prosper would be awake, thinking about their aunt, Esther. When he did sleep, he would have nightmares about her. Prosper is also a bit jealous of the attention Bo gives Scipio, the Thief Lord. He thinks that Scipio can be a somewhat bad influence as he seems to make Boniface all the more eager to become a thief.

Prosper is well liked by the others, Hornet, Riccio, Mosca and the Thief Lord himself. They have all become very close friends and would go to great lengths to keep eachother safe. The group even calls Prosper by the casual nickname Prop. Even when Prosper and Bo are being hunted by the detective, putting all of them at risk of being discovered, they let them stay. Before Prosper and Bo's mother passed on, she would tell them incredible stories about Venice quite often. When he and his brother arrived in Venice, Prosper had thought of it as their city, their safe-haven. He used to let himself believe that when they reached the city, they would finally be safe from Esther. In Prosper's mind, she is an intruder that should be driven out by the marble dragons and winged lions that stand like sentinels of the city. After Bo is taken by Esther, Prosper feels foolish for these beliefs and blames himself.

I believe that Prosper would make a good friend because he has very decent qualities and he's proved himself as a good and loyal friend in the story. He shows his cautiousness, and concern for his friends when he tells them that he believes stealing the wing for the Conte is dangerous. When the others learn that Scipio lied about his identity and decide to go steal the wing themselves, Prosper goes after them. Even though he disagrees with what they are doing, he goes because he wants to protect his friends and especially Bo, who went with them. I think his good qualities, his determination, protectiveness, dedication and strong morals would make him a good friend. Prosper is a very important character in the story as he is one of the main characters. The story would be completely different had he not acted as he did. If he had not run away with his brother in the first place or later on warned everyone of the detective, nothing in the story would be the same. I do not think that I would want to be the main character, although he seems to be a good person. He has had much hardship and pain in his life which has forced him to mature before his time. Close to the end of the story, Prosper goes with Scipio to find the merry-go-round of the Merciful Sisters. They seek it because they want to ride it in order to become older. Prosper does not realize that he has already been forced to mature by the very circumstances that had brought them to the city and those they faced in the city as well. He may only be twelve years old, but he has become the guardian of his brother and a loyal friend to the others.

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