Number the Stars Chapter 1 Questions

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Questions and Answers

Why are you running?

Running for safety.

What is the setting of this chapter?

World War 2, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Briefly describe Annemarie, Ellen and Kristi including a physical description of each girl and a description of each girl's personality.

Ellen: stocky 10-year-old girl with dark pigtails; nice, friendly. Annemarie: lanky, silvery blond girl; scared of soldiers. Kristi: blond curly hair; sassy and stubborn.

What is the De Frie Danske?

It's an illegal newspaper. Signup and view all the answers

What does Annemarie understand about the Resistance?

They are Danish people trying to harm the Nazis. Signup and view all the answers

What can the reader infer about Peter Nielsen from the information about him in this chapter?

He is part of the Resistance. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the man who rides past?

This is unclear without more context. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Christian X different from the fairy tale kings in the stories Annemarie tells Kirsti?

He acts like a real person and rides on his horse alone through the streets of Copenhagen to greet his people. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Lise?

Annemarie and Kirsti's older sister. Signup and view all the answers

What does the story told by Papa about the young boy and King Christian reveal about the Danish people?

They are loyal to their king. Signup and view all the answers

For what reasons did King Christian surrender to the Nazis?

Because he did not want the Danish people to die if they fought. Signup and view all the answers

What does Annemarie know about Sweden?

There are no German soldiers there and it is still free. Signup and view all the answers

What does the geographical proximity of Sweden suggest about the action to come?

It suggests that German soldiers might move onto Sweden soon. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mama 'troubled' when Annemarie tells her the button shop is closed?

Because the Hirsch family disappeared; there was a swastika on their door which means the German soldiers may have taken them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the gift he brings for Annemarie reveal to the reader about Peter's travels?

He brings 2 seashells which means he's traveled to the beach. Signup and view all the answers

What information does Peter have about the activities of the Germans in Denmark?

That the Germans are closing Jewish stores to torment the Jews. Signup and view all the answers

State the theme for this novel based on Annemarie's thoughts about bravery and protecting her Jewish friend.

The theme is that ordinary people have to be brave in order to help their Jewish friends. Signup and view all the answers

What future event might this passage be foreshadowing?

The events of WW2, particularly the murdering of many Jews and ordinary people trying to help them. Signup and view all the answers

For what reason does Kristi believe that she once saw the fireworks at the Tivoli Gardens?

She thought they were fireworks but it was the Danish people destroying their ships before the Nazis could steal them. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Rosens go to the synagogue on Thursday?

It was Jewish New Year and they learned the Nazis were coming for them. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the Nazis suspect that Ellen is not Annemarie's sister?

She has dark hair. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ellen want to be when she grows up?

She wants to be an actress. Signup and view all the answers

For what reason does Papa tear the three photographs out of the album?

Because it said the real date Lise was born. Signup and view all the answers

What are Papa and Uncle Henrik talking about when they talk about cigarettes?

Jewish refugees. Signup and view all the answers

For what reason is Uncle Henrik's home a good place to take a Jewish refugee?

He lives close to Sweden. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: Initial Encounters

The setting occurs during World War II in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Key characters introduced:
- Annemarie: Lanky and silvery blond, exhibits fear of soldiers.
- Ellen: Stocky with dark pigtails, known for her friendliness.
- Kristi: Displays sassiness and stubbornness, has curly blond hair.
De Frie Danske is an illegal newspaper opposing Nazi propaganda.
Annemarie understands the Resistance's mission to harm Nazis.
Peter Nielsen is suggested to be a member of the Resistance.

Chapter 2: The King and Surrender

King Christian X rides through Copenhagen, engaging with citizens, contrasting with fairy tale kings.
Lise is the older sister of Annemarie and Kristi.
Story of the young boy indicates Danish loyalty to King Christian.
King Christian's surrender was to protect Danish lives from conflict.
Annemarie knows Sweden is free and devoid of German soldiers.
Uncle Hendrik's house's location hints at potential refugee action to Sweden.
Mama's concern about the closed button shop relates to the disappearance of the Hirsch family, signaling German threat.

Chapter 3: Growing Tensions

Peter brings seashells from a beach trip, indicating his movement despite danger.
Germans are closing Jewish businesses as a form of persecution.
Annemarie acknowledges the jeopardy facing her Jewish friend Ellen, contemplating bravery for the sake of others.
The overarching theme emerges: ordinary individuals must exhibit courage to protect their Jewish friends.
Foreshadowing of future events related to WW2 and the plight of Jews.

Chapter 4: The Long Night

Kristi mistakes the destruction of Danish ships for fireworks, symbolizing resistance against Nazis.
The Rosens attend the synagogue for Jewish New Year amidst the threat of Nazi actions.

Chapter 5: Identity Under Threat

Ellen aspires to become an actress, showcasing her dreams amid turmoil.
Papa removes photographs from an album to protect Lise’s true birth date, highlighting the need for secrecy.

Chapter 6: Protection and Strategy

Discussions between Papa and Uncle Henrik about cigarettes serve as code for talking about Jewish refugees.
Uncle Henrik's home is ideal for housing Jewish refugees due to its proximity to Sweden and its safety from German soldiers.

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Test your comprehension of Chapter 1 of 'Number the Stars' with these flashcard questions. Explore the characters, setting, and key themes as you delve into the story’s early events during World War II in Copenhagen. Perfect for studying or revision!