English 9: Between Shades of Gray Chapters 22-28

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Questions and Answers

How long have they been traveling?

Six weeks.

How does Lina describe the people in the train car?

Their sour breath gets onto her.

Why do you think Mother put on lipstick?

She wanted to look pretty for the last undermined number of days of her life.

Describe where they are.

A wide, deep valley, surrounded by forested hills. Signup and view all the answers

How did Lina say it seemed the people were moving?

They were moving in slow motion. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lina give away? Why?

She gave the wounded man the handkerchief because she thought the message would be passed on until it reaches Papa. Signup and view all the answers

What are the guards doing with the people?

Losing people in horse-drawn wagons. Signup and view all the answers

What could this mean for Lina?

They could be sold as slaves. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Arvydas want so badly to not get separated from Andrius?

She loves him. He's the only thing she has left and does not want to lose him. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Mother was trying to wipe off her lipstick?

So that the officers don't notice her with the lipstick on. Signup and view all the answers

What made their group decide not to try to escape?

Everyone was weak and tired to fight. Signup and view all the answers

What were the purchasers going to do with the people?

Make them slaves. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Andrius surprised his mother has made it this far?

She's not a hard person. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think qualifies someone to be on the list?

To be high in power. Signup and view all the answers

In her flashback, why was Papa upset with Lina?

She drew pictures, attacking Josef Stalin, that could have got herself and her family arrested. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Lithuanians not stage an uprising even though they outnumbered the Soviets?

Everyone was weak and tired to fight. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lina think that the soldiers aren't talking of home and family?

By the tone of the NKVD officers' voices, it didn't sound like family talk. Signup and view all the answers

Where are they going when they get out?

The Bathhouse. Signup and view all the answers

What did the guards do while the women prepared for the showers?

The guards were standing at the porch. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Mother upset Lina let out a sigh of disgust?

Because the officer would've noticed and would've scolded her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mother turn her attention to others instead of washing herself?

She told everyone to hurry because they don't know how much time they have left. Signup and view all the answers

Why must they keep their home alive in their hearts?

If they do, they will get there. Signup and view all the answers

How do they know they aren't going to be killed soon?

If the NKVD officers were gonna kill them, they wouldn't have showered. Signup and view all the answers

What is troubling Lina?

The NKVD officer looking at her, undressed. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Ona? Why?

The officer shoots Ona because she was acting differently than everyone else around her. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Andrius cover Jonas's eyes?

So that Jonas doesn't have to see Ona get shot because he's too young to see anything above PG-13. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jonas worried about?

Death. Signup and view all the answers

Where did they drive to?

A collective farming area. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Andrius keep his head down and stay close to his mother?

So they can stay close together. Signup and view all the answers

What do they find out about the shacks they're going to live in?

They have to share it with someone who is already living there. Signup and view all the answers

What does the woman call them?

'Filthy criminals.' Signup and view all the answers

Do you agree with the quote 'Feisty people make good workers'? Explain your answer.

Yes, because they spent their time being courageous means peaceful working. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'kolkhoz'?

A collective farm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Journey Duration

Six weeks of travel is noted by Lina.

Train Conditions

Lina describes the people in the train car, commenting on their unpleasant sour breath.

Mother’s Gesture

Mother applies lipstick, indicating her desire to present herself attractively in potentially her last days.

Surroundings

They find themselves in a wide, deep valley encircled by forested hills.

Perception of Movement

Lina observes that the people appear to move in slow motion, emphasizing their fatigue.

Act of Kindness

Lina gives a wounded man her handkerchief, hoping the message reaches her father.

Guards' Actions

Guards are seen transporting people away in horse-drawn wagons.

Threat of Enslavement

There's an implication that those taken by guards could be sold into slavery.

Family Bonds

Mrs. Arvydas clings to her son, Andrius, as he is her last connection, illustrating her love and desperation.

Mother's Concerns

Mother attempts to remove her lipstick to avoid undesired attention from officers.

Escape Decision

The group decides against escaping due to their collective weakness and exhaustion.

Enslavement Plans

People are being purchased with intentions of making them slaves.

Andrius's Surprise

Andrius is surprised that his mother has survived this long, noting her gentleness.

Criteria for Survival

High power seems to be a determining factor for inclusion on a survival list.

Flashback Incident

Lina recalls a time when Papa was upset with her drawings criticizing Stalin, fearing the consequences.

Strength in Numbers

Despite being outnumbered, Lithuanians refrain from uprising due to exhaustion.

Soldiers' Conversations

Lina perceives the soldiers' conversations as devoid of familial warmth, showcasing the harsh environment.

Destination Post-Exit

Their immediate destination after exiting is the Bathhouse.

Guards’ Vigilance

Guards stand watch while women prepare for showers, indicating a controlled environment.

Mother's Reaction

Mother is concerned that Lina’s sigh could attract negative attention from the officers.

Focus on Others

Mother prioritizes helping others over herself, signaling urgency during challenging times.

Hope and Memory

Keeping the memory of home alive is essential for hope and eventual return.

Safety Indicator

The provision of showers suggests they are not facing immediate death.

Disturbing Presence

Lina feels troubled by the gaze of an NKVD officer while undressed.

Ona’s Fate

Ona is shot by an officer for her nonconformity in behavior during the shower ordeal.

Protecting Jonas

Andrius covers Jonas’s eyes to shield him from the traumatic sight of violence.

Child’s Fear

Jonas expresses worry about death amidst their dire circumstances.

New Living Conditions

They are taken to a collective farming area for their new life.

Family Cohesion

Andrius keeps close to his mother, indicating a desire for familial unity.

Shack Living Arrangements

They discover that their living spaces must be shared with existing occupants.

Dehumanizing Labels

A woman derogatorily refers to them as "Filthy Criminals."

Work Ethic Perspective

The belief is expressed that feisty individuals are better workers due to their courage in facing challenges.

Definition of "Kolkhoz"

"Kolkhoz" refers to a collective farm, highlighting the agricultural setting of their new life.

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Test your knowledge of Chapters 22 to 28 from 'Between Shades of Gray' with these flashcards. Focus on key details and character insights as you explore Lina's experiences during her harrowing journey. Perfect for Freshmen studying under O'Reilly.