Number the Stars: Key Characters and Events

Questions and Answers

Why does Kristi come home in tears?

Her mom bought her shoes made of fish skin.

What does Ellen offer to do to the shoes?

She offers to make the shoes black & shiny with ink.

What does Kristi insist happened on her birthday?

She thinks fireworks went off.

What had really happened?

The Danes were blowing up their Navy so the Germans couldn't take anything. Signup and view all the answers

By destroying their own navy, what message was the Danes sending the Germans?

The Germans can take over their country but they will not support them. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ellen have to help her mother with the housekeeping?

Because Thursday is Jewish New Year. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after Mrs. Rosen comes to the Johansens' door?

Ellen stays the night at Annemarie's. Signup and view all the answers

What does Papa tell Annemarie after dinner?

This morning, at the Synagogue, the Rabbi told the congregation that the Nazis have taken the list that the Synagogue kept of their congregation and the Rosen's name is on the list. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the news frighten the Rosens?

They are Jews and will get captured & killed if they do not escape. Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Ellen's parents?

Peter Nielsen Signup and view all the answers

How does Papa plan to hide Ellen?

He plans on pretending that Ellen & Annemarie are sisters. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think would happen if the Johansens were caught hiding her?

The Nazis would maybe arrest them and maybe kill them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Events

Kristi comes home in tears over her shoes made of fish skin, revealing her disappointment with her presents.
Ellen offers to make Kristi's shoes black and shiny with ink, showcasing her resourcefulness and friendship.

Significant Occurrences

Kristi insists that fireworks went off on her birthday, demonstrating a child’s perception and excitement about events.
The Danes blew up their Navy assets to prevent the Germans from confiscating them, indicating their defiance and sacrifice in the face of occupation.

Themes of Resistance and Survival

The act of destroying their own navy symbolized the Danes' resistance against the Germans, emphasizing their unwillingness to comply fully with oppression.
Ellen helps her mother with housekeeping due to the observance of Jewish New Year on Thursday, highlighting cultural traditions amidst turmoil.

Relationships and Fear

Ellen stays overnight at Annemarie’s home following Mrs. Rosen's visit, underscoring their close friendship and shared dangers.
After dinner, Papa informs Annemarie about the Nazis having seized the synagogue's list of congregants, including the Rosen family, indicating rising threats to their safety.

Dangers Faced by the Rosen Family

The Rosen's fear for their lives, as the Nazis’ actions lead to potential capture and murder, intensifying the novel's tension.
Peter Nielsen is mentioned as someone who helped Ellen’s parents, illustrating the community's support during perilous times.

Hiding Strategies

To protect Ellen, Papa devises a plan to pass off Ellen and Annemarie as sisters, emphasizing themes of deception for safety and familial bonds.
There is a grave concern that if the Johansens were caught hiding Ellen, they might face arrest or death, highlighting the harsh realities of the Jewish persecution during this historical period.

Description

Explore the key characters and significant events in 'Number the Stars'. This quiz focuses on themes of friendship, resistance, and the impact of cultural traditions during tumultuous times. Test your knowledge on the relationships between Kristi and Ellen and the broader context of the Danish resistance during World War II.