Number the Stars - End of the War

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the powder created by Swedish scientists during the Nazi occupation, as described in the text?

  • To attract police dogs to specific locations, leading them away from areas where individuals were hiding.
  • To poison police dogs, thus reducing their effectiveness in locating hidden individuals.
  • To create a temporary numbing effect on police dogs' noses, preventing them from detecting hidden individuals. (correct)
  • To enhance the sense of smell in police dogs, making it easier for them to locate hidden individuals.

Why did seeing the photograph of Kim Malthe-Bruun have such a profound effect on the author?

  • The photograph was taken shortly before his execution and was a stark reminder of the brutality of the Nazi regime.
  • The photograph reminded the author of someone they knew personally who had suffered during the war.
  • His youth and the quiet determination in his eyes made the author determined to tell his story and that of the Danish people. (correct)
  • The photograph was accompanied by a detailed account of the tortures he endured, which deeply disturbed the author.

What was Kim Malthe-Bruun's central message in his letter written the night before his execution?

  • To create an ideal of human decency, free from narrow-mindedness and prejudice. (correct)
  • To focus on individual survival and self-preservation in the face of adversity.
  • To seek revenge against those who had perpetrated the war and caused so much suffering.
  • To return to the pre-war status quo and rebuild society as it once was.

The author explicitly draws a parallel between Peter Nielsen and whom?

<p>Courageous and idealistic young members of the Resistance movement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific effect did the author hope the story of Denmark and its people would have on readers?

<p>To remind readers that a world of human decency is possible. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of handkerchiefs during the rescue operations in Denmark?

<p>To counteract the ability of Nazi police dogs to detect hidden passengers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What detail about the Danish Resistance is emphasized in the content?

<p>They were primarily composed of young and brave individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author illustrate the potential for desensitization when repeatedly encountering accounts of bravery and suffering?

<p>By noting that even courage can become routine to the reader after a while. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the act of neighbors tending to the homes of the Jewish families who fled Copenhagen symbolize in the immediate aftermath of the war's end?

<p>A symbolic act of resistance and solidarity, representing the temporary custodians' hope for the families' eventual return and a restoration of community. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrative juxtapose the collective joy of Denmark's liberation with the personal grief experienced by Annemarie and her family?

<p>By intertwining the themes of collective resilience and individual suffering, indicating that personal sacrifices were essential to achieving national freedom and therefore inseparable from it. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering Peter's final letter, why might its message of love, fearlessness, and pride be particularly poignant in the context of the Nazis' refusal to return his body for burial?

<p>It emphasizes the enduring power of Peter's spirit and ideals, which transcend the physical desecration of his body and serve as a lasting testament to his courage and commitment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason that Lise kept her involvement in the Resistance a secret from her family?

<p>She wanted to protect her family from the potential danger and emotional burden of her activities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the revelation of Lise's involvement in the Resistance alter Annemarie's understanding of her sister and the events surrounding her death?

<p>It allows Annemarie to reconcile her grief with a sense of pride in Lise's courageous actions and commitment to a greater cause. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the historical context of the Nazi occupation of Denmark, what could be the deeper significance of marking the graves of executed Resistance members with only numbers?

<p>A symbolic attempt to dehumanize the victims, erasing their individual identities and reducing them to mere statistics in the eyes of the regime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The passage states, "Even Kirsti was growing up; no longer was she a lighthearted chatterbox of a child. Now she was taller, more serious, and very thin. She looked like the pictures of Lise at seven, in the old album." How does this description of Kirsti contribute to the overall themes of the novel?

<p>It underscores the irreversible impact of war on childhood, highlighting the premature loss of innocence and the forced maturation of young people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the broader context of the novel, what does the act of raising the Danish flag in nearly every window, including those of empty apartments, signify about the spirit of the Danish people?

<p>A genuine expression of national unity and resilience, symbolizing the Danes' unwavering commitment to freedom and their collective mourning for those lost during the occupation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the Danish people, including King Christian X, to surrender to Germany in 1940, as explained in the text?

<p>Fear of complete destruction by the overwhelming German military force due to Denmark's small size and lack of defense. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the German official G.F. Duckwitz contribute to the rescue of the Jewish population in Denmark during World War II?

<p>He informed the Danish government of the impending German plans to 'relocate' the Jews, allowing them time to escape. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Annemarie decide to wear Ellen's Star of David necklace herself until Ellen returns?

<p>As a symbol of solidarity and defiance against the Nazi occupation, subtly showing support for her Jewish friend. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the act of the Danish people sinking their own navy in Copenhagen harbor in 1943 signify?

<p>A symbolic act of resistance to prevent the German forces from using the Danish fleet for their war efforts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use the character of Annemarie Johansen to convey the broader historical events of the German occupation of Denmark?

<p>Annemarie's personal story is intertwined with real events and historical figures to illustrate the impact of the occupation on ordinary Danish citizens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the role of the Danish government during the German occupation based on the information provided?

<p>The Danish government attempted to protect its citizens, including the Jewish population, while navigating the constraints imposed by the German occupiers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the risks involved, what does the willingness of the Danish people to hide and help smuggle nearly the entire Jewish population to Sweden suggest about their national character?

<p>The Danes possessed a strong sense of moral responsibility and communal solidarity, prioritizing human dignity over personal safety. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the detail that the yellow dress, which once belonged to Lise, has begun to fade and discolor?

<p>It symbolizes the loss of innocence and the fading of happier times before the war and the Nazi occupation disrupted their lives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author integrate factual historical elements with fictional narrative to enhance the story's credibility and emotional impact?

<p>By grounding the fictional characters and their experiences in verifiable historical events, lending authenticity and emotional resonance to the story. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying significance of Annemarie's question, 'They didn't shoot Lise, did they?' at the beginning of the chapter?

<p>It underscores the pervasive fear and uncertainty that defined life under Nazi occupation, where violence could strike anyone without warning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering Papa's ability to fix Ellen's Star of David necklace, what deeper meaning might this seemingly simple act hold within the context of the story?

<p>It represents the restoration of hope and faith in a future where Ellen can openly embrace her identity without fear. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use the contrasting imagery of the dancing crowd in the street and Annemarie's solitary reflection with Lise's yellow dress to highlight the complex emotional landscape of wartime Copenhagen?

<p>The juxtaposition creates a sense of cognitive dissonance, illustrating how ordinary life continued amidst profound loss, fear, and uncertainty. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author's dedication of the book to Annelise Platt, her friend who was a child in Copenhagen during the German occupation, suggest about the nature of the story she is telling?

<p>That the author seeks to honor the personal experiences and memories of those who lived through the occupation, emphasizing the human dimension of history. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the information about Peter's involvement in secret meetings and his injury, what can be inferred about Lise's involvement in the resistance movement?

<p>Lise was actively involved in the resistance, possibly even more so than Peter, leading to her death during a raid. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the detail about Peter wearing a coat and hat to hide his bandaged arm and red hair contribute to the story's atmosphere of tension and suspense?

<p>It heightens the sense of danger and paranoia, emphasizing the constant vigilance required to evade detection by the Nazis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Danish Liberation Day

The day when World War II ended, marked by church bells, the Danish flag being raised, and public celebrations.

National Anthem Significance

The Danish national anthem, sung in the streets as a sign of unity and freedom.

Empty Apartment Symbolism

Neighbors caring for the homes of Jewish families who had to flee during the war, symbolizing friendship and solidarity.

Symbol of Freedom

A symbol of freedom hung in the windows of empty apartments by neighbors, watched by Annemarie.

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Peter Nielsen's Fate

A member of the resistance who was captured and executed by the Germans for his involvement in fighting for Denmark's freedom.

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Peter's Last Letter

Peter's final message of love, courage, and pride in his actions, written before his execution.

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Lise's Resistance Role

Secretly part of the Resistance; her involvement was unknown to her parents until after her premature death.

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Ryvangen

The location where young men, including Peter, were executed and buried by the Nazis, their graves marked only with numbers.

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Rabbit's Blood and Cocaine Powder

A powder made of dried rabbit's blood and cocaine used by Danish boat captains to prevent police dogs from detecting hidden passengers.

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Danish Resistance

Secret operations orchestrated mainly by young and brave individuals to save Jews during the Nazi occupation.

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Kim Malthe-Bruun

Idealistic young man who was captured and executed by the Nazis at the age of twenty-one.

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Ideal of Human Decency

The concept of striving for an ideal of human decency and rejecting narrow-mindedness and prejudice.

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Resistance Movements

A movement composed mainly of young and brave people, which was like all others.

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The routineness of courage

Courage can become routine to the reader after a while.

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The handkerchief

A physical item used by boat captains to hide the smell of people from police dogs.

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Dogs Smell

A temporary destruction of the sense of smell of police dogs.

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Lise's Death

Lise was killed by the Nazis when they ran her down with a military car while she was trying to escape a secret meeting.

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Peter's Injury

Peter was shot in the arm during the raid and was in hiding. He attended Lise's funeral in disguise.

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Dancing Memory

Annemarie remembers Lise dancing with Peter, bringing back a memory of joy amidst sorrow.

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Hidden Necklace

Annemarie finds Ellen's Star of David necklace hidden in the pocket of Lise's yellow dress.

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Broken Clasp

Annemarie asks her father to fix the broken clasp of Ellen's Star of David necklace.

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Return the Star

Annemarie plans to return the necklace to Ellen when the Rosens return home.

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Wearing the Star

Until the Rosens return, Annemarie decides to wear Ellen's Star of David necklace herself.

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Fictional Annemarie

The author acknowledges that Annemarie Johansen is a fictional character inspired by stories from her friend Annelise Platt.

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Annelise's Stories

Annelise Platt provided descriptions of personal deprivation, sacrifices, courage, and integrity of the Danish people during the German occupation.

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Danish Surrender

Denmark surrendered to Germany in 1940 because it was small, undefended, and couldn't resist the German forces.

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King's Ride

King Christian X rode his horse alone every morning, unguarded, greeting his people.

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Sinking the Navy

In August 1943, the Danes sank their entire navy in Copenhagen harbor to prevent the Germans from using the ships.

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Rabbi's Warning

In 1943, the rabbi warned the Jewish community about being "relocated" by the Germans.

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G.F. Duckwitz

G.F. Duckwitz, a German official, informed the Danish government about the planned deportation of Jews.

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Smuggling to Sweden

Nearly seven thousand Jews from Denmark were smuggled across the sea to Sweden to escape the Nazis.

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Study Notes

  • The war ended almost two years later, and Annemarie was twelve.
  • Church bells rang, and the Danish flag was raised everywhere in Copenhagen.
  • People stood in the streets and wept as they sang the national anthem.
  • Annemarie, with her family, watched from their balcony, seeing flags in almost every window.
  • Many apartments had been empty for two years, with neighbors caring for them for the Jewish families who had fled.
  • Mrs. Johansen was tearful, and Kirsti, now taller and more serious, waved a flag.
  • Kirsti resembled Lise at seven years old.
  • Peter Nielsen had been captured and executed by the Germans in Ryvangen, Copenhagen.
  • Peter wrote a letter from prison, expressing his love, lack of fear, and pride in fighting for his country and freedom.
  • He requested to be buried beside Lise, but the Nazis buried the executed men in unmarked graves.
  • Annemarie's family laid flowers at the numbered ground where Peter was buried.
  • Annemarie's parents revealed that Lise was part of the Resistance.
  • Lise did not tell her parents, but Peter informed them after her death.
  • Lise died when the Nazis raided a cellar where the Resistance held secret meetings.
  • Lise was not shot; she was run down by a military car.
  • Peter was shot in the arm during the raid but wore a bandage and hat to conceal his injury.
  • Annemarie remembered Lise dancing with Peter on their engagement night.
  • Annemarie found Ellen's Star of David necklace in the pocket of Lise's yellow dress in a trunk.
  • The yellow dress had begun to fade.
  • Annemarie asked her father to fix the broken clasp of the necklace so she could return it to Ellen upon her return.
  • Until Ellen returns Annemarie will wear it herself.

Afterword

  • Annemarie Johansen is a fictional character created from stories told by Annelise Platt, who was a child in Copenhagen during the German occupation.
  • The book is dedicated to Annelise Platt.
  • The author was moved by the courage and integrity of the Danish people and their king, Christian X.
  • Denmark surrendered to Germany in 1940 because it was small and undefended.
  • King Christian X rode his horse unguarded every morning, greeting his people.
  • In August 1943, the Danes sank their navy in Copenhagen harbor to prevent the Germans from using the ships.
  • In 1943, Jews were warned of being taken and "relocated" by the Germans.
  • G.F. Duckwitz, a German official, informed the Danish government, who then warned the Jewish community.
  • The Danish people took in, fed, clothed, and hid Jewish people, helping them escape to Sweden.
  • Almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, was smuggled to Sweden.
  • Swedish scientists created a powder of dried rabbit's blood and cocaine for handkerchiefs used on fishing boats. The blood attracted the dogs and the cocaine numbed their noses.
  • The Danish Resistance was composed of young and brave individuals.
  • Peter Nielsen represents those courageous and idealistic young people who died at the hands of the enemy.
  • Kim Malthe-Bruun was a young man captured and executed by the Nazis.
  • Kim Malthe-Bruun wrote a letter to his mother the night before his death, urging people to dream of creating an ideal of human decency.
  • The gift of a world of human decency is what all countries hunger for.

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