Podcast
Questions and Answers
Describe Annemarie Johansen.
Describe Annemarie Johansen.
Lanky, silvery blond, 10 years old, good runner.
Describe Ellen Rosen.
Describe Ellen Rosen.
Annemarie's neighbor and best friend; dark hair worn in pig tails, stocky, Jewish, good student.
Why do the Nazi soldiers stop the girls on Osterbrogade?
Why do the Nazi soldiers stop the girls on Osterbrogade?
They say they look like hoodlums when they run.
Who is Kirsti?
Who is Kirsti?
Where does the story take place?
Where does the story take place?
When does the story take place?
When does the story take place?
What are the girls' mothers drinking instead of coffee?
What are the girls' mothers drinking instead of coffee?
Why were the girls' mothers only drinking hot water?
Why were the girls' mothers only drinking hot water?
What is the Resistance?
What is the Resistance?
How do Resistance members operate?
How do Resistance members operate?
What does Kirsti beg to be told?
What does Kirsti beg to be told?
What significance is there to being greeted by a king?
What significance is there to being greeted by a king?
Who told Annemarie the significance of meeting a king?
Who told Annemarie the significance of meeting a king?
Who are King Christian X's bodyguards?
Who are King Christian X's bodyguards?
Why did King Christian X surrender to the Nazis rather than fight them?
Why did King Christian X surrender to the Nazis rather than fight them?
Which country near Denmark remains neutral?
Which country near Denmark remains neutral?
Why didn't Lise marry her fiancé Peter?
Why didn't Lise marry her fiancé Peter?
According to Annemarie, the whole world has changed, except for one thing. What is it?
According to Annemarie, the whole world has changed, except for one thing. What is it?
Study Notes
Character Descriptions
- Annemarie Johansen is a lanky, silvery-blond 10-year-old known for her running skills.
- Ellen Rosen, Annemarie's best friend and neighbor, has dark, pig-tailed hair, is stocky, Jewish, and a good student.
- Kirsti is Annemarie's obstinate younger sister, aged five.
Setting
- The story unfolds in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II.
Conflict with Nazi Soldiers
- Nazi soldiers confront the girls on Osterbrogade, accusing them of looking like hoodlums while running.
Daily Life and Shortages
- The girls’ mothers are drinking hot water flavored with herbs as a substitute for coffee due to wartime shortages.
Resistance Movement
- The Resistance consists of Danish individuals secretly opposing the Nazis through sabotage, including damaging vehicles, bombing factories, and disrupting rail lines.
Cultural Significance
- Kirsti frequently asks for fairy tales before bedtime, reflecting a desire for comfort amidst turmoil.
- Meeting a king symbolizes being special and is considered a lasting honor, as explained by Annemarie’s older sister, Lise.
Historical Context
- King Christian X surrendered to the Nazis to prevent the loss of more Danish lives, facing a limited military force.
- Sweden remains neutral during the conflict, providing a contrast to Denmark's situation.
Personal Tragedy
- Lise, Annemarie’s sister, did not marry her fiancé Peter due to her tragic death in an accident two weeks prior to the wedding.
Perception of Change
- Annemarie observes that while the world around her has drastically changed due to the war, fairy tales remain a cherished constant.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Review the first two chapters of 'Number the Stars' with these flashcards. Each card provides key descriptions and important details about the main characters, Annemarie and Ellen, as well as their experiences during Nazi occupation. Perfect for reinforcing understanding of the plot and characters.
