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Questions and Answers
What is the reason for Kirsti's longing for a cupcake?
What is the reason for Kirsti's longing for a cupcake?
What is the significance of King Christian X in the story?
What is the significance of King Christian X in the story?
Why is Mrs. Hirsch's shop closed?
Why is Mrs. Hirsch's shop closed?
What is the theme emerging in Chapter II?
What is the theme emerging in Chapter II?
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What does Annemarie realize about the Rosens?
What does Annemarie realize about the Rosens?
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What is the significance of the Star of David necklace in Chapter V?
What is the significance of the Star of David necklace in Chapter V?
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What is the purpose of Peter Neilsen's involvement with the Resistance?
What is the purpose of Peter Neilsen's involvement with the Resistance?
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In what way does Ellen's family prepare for the Jewish New Year?
In what way does Ellen's family prepare for the Jewish New Year?
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What is the nature of Annemarie and Ellen's relationship in the story?
What is the nature of Annemarie and Ellen's relationship in the story?
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What is the primary theme of Chapter IV: It Will Be a Long Night?
What is the primary theme of Chapter IV: It Will Be a Long Night?
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Study Notes
Setting and Characters
- The story takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark during World War II.
- Main characters: Annemarie Johansen, Kirsti Johansen (Annemarie's younger sister), and Ellen Rosen (Annemarie's best friend).
Chapter I: Why Are You Running?
- Annemarie, Kirsti, and Ellen are stopped by German soldiers while racing home from school.
- The soldiers warn them not to run, calling them "hoodlums."
- The girls walk home quickly to avoid further notice.
- Ellen and Annemarie agree not to tell their mothers about the incident.
- Rationing is introduced, with no sugar available for the girls.
Chapter II: Who is the Man Who Rides Past?
- Annemarie tells Kirsti a bedtime story, but Kirsti falls asleep quickly.
- Annemarie reflects on King Christian X of Denmark and his protection by the Danish people.
- She recalls her older sister Lise, who died in an accident.
Chapter III: Where Is Mrs. Hirsch?
- Annemarie and her mother discuss preparations for the harsh winter.
- Mrs. Hirsch's shop is closed with a sign in German and a swastika.
- Peter Neilsen explains the German's targeting of Jewish-owned businesses.
- Annemarie realizes that the Rosens are Jewish and understands the threat.
Chapter IV: It Will Be a Long Night
- Annemarie and Ellen play with paper dolls, thinking of happier times.
- Ellen offers to dye new shoes made of fish skin, showing her helpful nature.
- The girls' play is interrupted by memories of real-life war events.
- Ellen's family prepares for the Jewish New Year, and Ellen invites the Johansen girls to watch her mother light the candles.
- Mr. Johansen explains the Nazis' plan to round up Danish Jews.
Chapter V: Who Is the Dark-Haired One?
- Annemarie and Ellen prepare for bed, with Ellen worried about being discovered.
- German soldiers arrive at the Johansen apartment, searching for the Rosens.
- Annemarie helps Ellen remove her Star of David necklace just in time.
- Mr. Johansen uses old family photos to convince the soldiers that Ellen is Lise.
Chapter VI: Is the Weather Good for Fishing?
- Mr. and Mrs. Johansen decide Ellen and Annemarie will go to Uncle Henrik's house instead of school.
Themes
- The impact of war on everyday life.
- Innocence of children amid conflict.
- Adaptation to wartime scarcity and fear.
- Childhood memories and loss.
- The symbolism of King Christian X and Danish pride.
- Contrast between fairy tales and harsh realities.
- Emergence of bravery as a central theme.
- The senseless persecution of Jews by the Nazis.
- Growing awareness of the war's impact on friends and neighbors.
- The importance of community and friendship in times of crisis.
- Fear and quick thinking under pressure.
- The significance of symbols (Star of David) and their dangers.
- The stark reality of Nazi persecution.
- The strong bond of friendship and family loyalty.
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Description
Learn about the events of Chapter 1 of Number the Stars, set in Copenhagen during World War II, where Annemarie, Kirsti, and Ellen encounter German soldiers.
