Podcast
Questions and Answers
What do the German soldiers accuse Annemarie, Kirsti, and Ellen of being?
What do the German soldiers accuse Annemarie, Kirsti, and Ellen of being?
What is the reason for the scarcity of sugar in Denmark during WWII?
What is the reason for the scarcity of sugar in Denmark during WWII?
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?
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What is the theme emerging in Chapter II?
What is the theme emerging in Chapter II?
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What is the significance of the paper dolls in Chapter IV?
What is the significance of the paper dolls in Chapter IV?
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Why does Mrs. Rosen inform Mrs. Johansen of a threat in Chapter IV?
Why does Mrs. Rosen inform Mrs. Johansen of a threat in Chapter IV?
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What does Annemarie help Ellen remove in Chapter V?
What does Annemarie help Ellen remove in Chapter V?
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Why does Mr. Johansen use old family photos in Chapter V?
Why does Mr. Johansen use old family photos in Chapter V?
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Where do Mr. and Mrs. Johansen decide to send Ellen and Annemarie in Chapter VI?
Where do Mr. and Mrs. Johansen decide to send Ellen and Annemarie in Chapter VI?
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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
This quiz covers the first chapter of Lois Lowry's novel 'Number the Stars', set in WWII Denmark. It follows the story of Annemarie and her friends as they encounter German soldiers.
