Questions and Answers
What station are they coming to?
Vilnius
What did the iron wolf symbolize?
A large & formidable city, a city of opportunity.
What was Lina's drawing of?
A Greek nude & her handsome history teacher.
What does the man from the woods tell them?
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What were the men singing?
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What is Lina going to draw on?
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What would the guards ask for when they stopped?
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Explain the quote 'Death had begun to gather a crop.'
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Why did Andrius take the buckets from Lina?
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What direction were they traveling?
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What did Lina write on the handkerchief?
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How many days have they traveled?
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What army had moved into Lithuania?
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Why did Ona not want to give her child up even though she was dead?
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Do you think the 'thing' (baby) is better off?
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Why doesn't anyone scold Andrius for yelling at the bald man (Mr. Stalas)?
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Why does Jonas call Ona's baby 'our baby'?
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Who is Lina drawing in her flashback?
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What boundary do the Ural Mountains form?
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How did they finally get the dead baby out of the train?
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Why did Mrs. Grybas say she dropped the baby?
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Why do you think Mother wasn't worried about Jonas smoking a cigarette?
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Why does Mother thank God for Andrius?
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Why is Mrs. Grybas upset with the boys?
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Why did it feel like they were riding a pendulum?
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What did Mother buy at Omsk?
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Why would Mother want to buy a newspaper?
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Do you think Mother 'wasted' her money? Explain your answer.
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Study Notes
Key Locations and Symbols
- Vilnius: Station to which the characters are traveling, representing hope and opportunity.
- Iron Wolf: Symbolizes a large, formidable city, epitomizing possibilities and ambition for its inhabitants.
Lina's Artistic Expression
- Drawing Subjects: Lina creates a drawing of a Greek nude and her attractive history teacher, illustrating her longing for normalcy and beauty amidst chaos.
Train Journey and Challenges
- Train Division: Warning from a woodsman informs the group that the train is being split into two, impacting their journey.
- National Anthem: Lithuanian men sing their national anthem, "Lithuania, land of heroes," showcasing their patriotism and resilience.
- Travel Direction: The group is heading south, indicating their movement through challenging territories.
- Days of Travel: They have been traveling for eight days, reflecting their ongoing struggle and endurance.
Death and Loss
- Quote Interpretation: "Death had begun to gather a crop" indicates the gradual loss of lives within the group.
- Connection to Loss: Ona's reluctance to part with her deceased child stems from maternal love and an enduring bond.
- Jonas's Perspective: Referring to Ona's baby as "our baby" reflects his caring nature and connection to the infant.
The Impact of War
- Army Movements: Both Germany and the U.S.S.R. have invaded Lithuania, illustrating the geopolitical turmoil affecting individuals.
- Ural Mountains: These mountains symbolize the boundary between Europe and Asia, serving as a geographical marker in their journey.
Interpersonal Relations and Morality
- Andrius's Support: He assists Lina by taking the buckets when she cannot, highlighting solidarity in dire situations.
- Mrs. Grybas's Actions: In a moment of grief, she discards the dead baby, suggesting deep empathy for Ona's suffering.
- Mother's Views on Smoking: She refrains from scolding Jonas, perceiving Andrius as a positive influence, which complicates her stance on Jonas’s behavior.
Moments of Resilience and Hope
- Mother's Purchase: At Omsk, Mother buys candy, snacks, and cigarettes, aiming to uplift the spirits of those around her.
- Newspaper Interest: She wishes to buy a newspaper to stay informed and assist the bald man, demonstrating her concern for others’ well-being.
- Community Happiness: Her belief that spending money for others’ happiness is not wasteful reveals her selflessness and compassion.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapters 16 to 21 in 'Between Shades of Gray' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key symbols, characters, and events in the narrative. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the book's themes and context.
