English 9: Between Shades of Gray Chapters 7-15

Questions and Answers

What important advice does Mother give to the children?

To stay close to her.

What did the officer tell Mother when she said they needed a stretcher?

To get up to the train on their own.

What makes Mother scream?

When an officer takes Jonas away.

What happened to Jonas as they were fighting for him?

He wet his pants. Signup and view all the answers

What finally convinces the officer to let Jonas stay with them?

When Elena gives the officer a pocket watch, given from her own dad. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think human life is worth?

No value. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the officers wanted to take Jonas away?

Because he's male. Signup and view all the answers

What type of train cars are they getting into?

A dirty and small train car. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mother tell Jonas they are doing?

They're going on an 'Adventure.' Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the bald man is so grouchy?

Because he lost a leg. Signup and view all the answers

Where are all the men?

In another train car. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the bald man with them then?

Because he's disabled, physically. Signup and view all the answers

How do you think they are sorting people? Are there any definite categories? If so, what are they?

By gender and importance; No. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the woman in the corner was unwilling to give up her spot?

She had a hole of air in her spot. Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe Mother's personality and her actions?

She's calm and doesn't want to fight or have any fights happen. Signup and view all the answers

What was the family doing in Lina's flashback?

Getting a family photo from a man who knows them. Signup and view all the answers

How many people are in the car total?

Forty-six people. Signup and view all the answers

What are two of their possible destinations?

Moscow or NKVD HQ. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion would you be feeling if you were in the box car with all these other people?

Scared. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the officer's wives.

They were also in the train car. Signup and view all the answers

How was Andrius' mother able to keep him with her?

She lied to the officer, saying he was mental. Signup and view all the answers

Why couldn't Ona's baby feed?

Her mouth wouldn't latch open properly. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Mrs. Rimas told stories to the kids?

To entertain them. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lina's hobby?

To draw. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Andrius?

Seventeen. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Mother says they should be thankful?

They left the door open for air. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the children going after Andrius wakes up?

Outside for some fresh air. Signup and view all the answers

What does the train car say on the outside?

'Thieves and Prostitutes' Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think they're labeled this way?

To prove that they are criminals. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the NKVD taking them?

To a train station. Signup and view all the answers

What does Papa give them? What does Papa tell Lina to have?

Ham, Jackets, Shirts, and Socks; Kostas gives Lina his wedding ring in case of money. Signup and view all the answers

What other language does Mother speak?

Russian. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Arvydas know about her husband?

Possibly that he is dead. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mother say to give the grouchy man her piece of ham? Why do you think he doesn't accept it?

He needed the Ham; So that no one needed to starve. Signup and view all the answers

What are they given to eat?

Gray slop. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the wisdom to divvy out the food?

Mrs. Grybas. Signup and view all the answers

What is her profession?

She's a teacher. Signup and view all the answers

What did the slop resemble?

Animal feed. Signup and view all the answers

Has Andrius returned yet? Where do you think he is?

No; Still probably looking for his father. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Stalin moving them out of Lithuania temporarily?

So that he can have control of Lithuania. Signup and view all the answers

What will Papa recognize Lina by?

Her art. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Lina discover under their train car?

Andrius. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Andrius' face.

He was blue and tired / weak. Signup and view all the answers

How did Lina hide herself when the officers came by?

Lina hid in a pit with Andrius. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the guards leave?

Because they heard dogs barking. Signup and view all the answers

What woke Lina up?

Jonas and Andrius. Signup and view all the answers

What was the priest doing to the train car?

Performing the 'Last Rights'. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Events in "Between Shades of Gray" (Chapters 7-15)

Mother's crucial advice to children emphasizes the importance of staying close for safety and support.
An officer's dismissive response to Mother's request for assistance reflects the harsh reality of their situation.
Mother's scream is a pivotal moment driven by the forced separation from her son, Jonas.
Jonas’ moment of humiliation occurs during the struggle to keep him with the family, highlighting the trauma faced.
A turning point occurs when Elena's gesture of giving the officer a pocket watch convinces him to allow Jonas to remain with the group.
The bleak perspective on human life is illustrated through the notion that it holds "no value" in their dire circumstances.

Group Dynamics and Living Conditions

The officers' motives for separating Jonas relate to gender biases, as male children are often seen as more threatening or valuable.
The cramped and unsanitary conditions of the train car contribute to the pervasive sense of discomfort and fear among the captives.
Mother's characterization of their journey as an "Adventure" serves as a coping mechanism amidst the chaos.
The bald man's grouchiness is linked to his physical loss, reflecting the broader theme of suffering.
Men are notably absent from the group, highlighting the separation strategy employed by the officers; the bald man is an exception due to his disability.

Survival and Family Bonds

The sorting of individuals into categories indicates a lack of clear criteria, primarily based on gender and perceived importance.
A woman’s refusal to relinquish her spot reveals the critical importance of any small comfort, such as a pocket of air.
Mother's calm demeanor serves as a stabilizing force, as she seeks to prevent conflict within the group.
Lina's flashback to a family photo suggests cherished memories of normalcy amidst the turmoil.

Nutritional Struggles and Resources

The number of individuals in the train car totals forty-six, embodying overcrowding and scarcity.
Potential destinations for the group include Moscow or NKVD HQ, underscoring the unknown fate that awaits them.
Emotional responses to their confinement range from fear to anxiety, demonstrating the psychological impact of their situation.
Both officers’ wives join the prisoners, hinting at the complex social structures within their confinement.
Andrius remains with his mother under false pretenses, illustrating the lengths individuals go to preserve family unity.

Resilience and Creativity

Ona faces challenges with her baby, reflecting the physical strain on families during this crisis.
Mrs. Rimas entertains children through storytelling, representing an effort to maintain humanity and hope.
Lina’s passion for drawing becomes a means of expression amidst suffering, suggesting art's enduring power.

Language and Knowledge

Mother’s ability to speak Russian hints at the complexity of cultural identity and potential survival strategies.
Mrs. Arvydas' knowledge about her husband’s fate exposes the pervasive fear and uncertainty regarding loved ones.
A leaky ham symbolizes the struggle for nourishment and willingness to share resources, even with those who are difficult.

Food Rationing and Authority

The only food provided is described as "gray slop," relatable to animal feed, which dehumanizes their experience.
Mrs. Grybas, a teacher, becomes crucial for distributing food, showing that knowledge and leadership persist even in adversity.
Andrius’ absence raises concerns about his safety, highlighting the ongoing search for family and the fear of loss.
Stalin’s temporary displacement strategy aims to exert control over Lithuania, showcasing the political motivations behind their suffering.

Relationships Amidst Adversity

Lina discovers Andrius hiding under the train car, illustrating the evolving relationships and mutual support between characters.
Andrius’ weakened state signifies the toll taken on individuals due to starvation and trauma.
Lina’s clandestine hiding during officers' inspections underscores the need for survival strategies.
Guard departure is prompted by external noise, providing a momentary reprieve for the group.

Awakening to Reality

Lina's awakening due to the presence of Jonas and Andrius symbolizes the ongoing familial bonds that remain a source of strength.
The priest performing "Last Rights" on the train car evokes themes of faith, mortality, and the struggle for hope in dire circumstances.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapters 7 to 15 from 'Between Shades of Gray' with these flashcards. Review key moments, character interactions, and significant advice given by characters. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of the narrative and themes present in this poignant story.