Number the Stars Overview

Questions and Answers

Why is Annemarie amazed that Ellen has never been to the ocean?

Denmark is surrounded by the ocean

What is significant about Sweden in this story?

Sweden is a free country where Jewish people are safe

How is Annemarie and Ellen's relationship changing?

Annemarie is caring for Ellen as she misses her family and is struggling through this hard time

What kind of relationship does Mama and Uncle Henrik have?

They have a close sibling relationship and are always willing to care for each other Signup and view all the answers

Why is there not the usual laughter between Mama and Uncle Henrik?

They are having serious conversations about keeping Jewish people safe Signup and view all the answers

Why do Mama and the girls laugh about soldiers relocating butter when 'it wasn't a joke at all'?

To help release some tension and joke around even though it was a serious situation Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when Uncle Henrik says 'Tomorrow will be a day for fishing'?

Fishing is a code word for helping the Jews escape Signup and view all the answers

Why is Uncle Henrik spending the night on his boat when he has family visiting?

He is dedicated to keeping Jewish people safe and will do what he has to follow through with his mission Signup and view all the answers

How does Annemarie know Mama and Uncle Henrik are lying to her?

She knows that Great-Aunt Birte is not a real person Signup and view all the answers

How do Ellen and Annemarie unknowingly contribute to the adults' plans?

They pick wildflowers and arrange bouquets that will be used for the funeral Signup and view all the answers

What does Annemarie learn about bravery from Uncle Henrik?

Uncle Henrik claims that if a person does not know everything, it is easier to be brave Signup and view all the answers

Why does Annemarie feel older after talking to her uncle?

Annemarie, who questions her own bravery, learns that adults are also afraid Signup and view all the answers

How do Annemarie and Mama become equals?

Mama lies to Annemarie again about the mourners at the funeral, but acknowledges Annemarie's awareness of the lie Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of appliqued?

To decorate with pieces of fabric to form pictures or patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of bouquets?

An arrangement of flowers Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of wryly?

Turned to one side; twisted Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of gnarled?

Knotted wood or twisted Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Relationships and Setting

Annemarie expresses surprise that Ellen has never been to the ocean, highlighting the significance of their different experiences in a war-torn environment.
Sweden is depicted as a safe haven for Jewish people, contrasting with the dangers faced in Denmark during the Nazi occupation.
Annemarie's care for Ellen deepens as they navigate the challenges of separation from family, showcasing a growing bond in hardship.

Family Dynamics

Mama and Uncle Henrik share a close, supportive sibling relationship, emphasizing familial loyalty amid crisis.
Conversations between Mama and Uncle Henrik shift from their usual playful banter to serious discussions about the safety of Jewish individuals, reflecting the weight of their circumstances.
The laughter shared by Mama and the girls, even in tense situations, serves as a coping mechanism amidst the fear and uncertainty surrounding them.

Codes and Bravery

Fishing is used as a metaphorical code for helping Jewish people escape, indicating the clandestine efforts of the characters.
Uncle Henrik's commitment to protecting Jewish lives is evident in his decision to stay overnight on his boat, prioritizing his mission over family gatherings.
Annemarie learns about bravery and the importance of not knowing every detail to feel courageous, gaining insight into adult fears and vulnerabilities.

Growth and Awareness

Annemarie recognizes that Great-Aunt Birte is fictional, revealing her growing awareness of the lies that adults tell to protect children.
While picking wildflowers for funeral arrangements, Ellen and Annemarie unwittingly become part of the adults' plans, highlighting their innocence amidst the larger crisis.
After her conversation with Uncle Henrik, Annemarie grapples with her own bravery and feels more mature, realizing that even adults experience fear.

Equality and Understanding

The relationship between Annemarie and Mama evolves as they come to understand each other's awareness of the lies being told, establishing a new level of equality in their dynamic.
Appliqued refers to the technique of decorating fabric by sewing pieces together, symbolizing the resourcefulness of characters during hard times.
Bouquets represent not only beauty but also the somber reality of the funeral arrangements being planned for the escapees.
Wryly indicates a sense of irony or dry humor, often used to cope with grim situations.
Gnarled describes knotted or twisted wood, symbolizing the complexity and hardship of their experiences during this period.

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Description

This quiz explores the key themes and character dynamics in 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. It examines the relationships among characters in a war-torn environment, the significance of family support, and the courage displayed amidst crisis. Delve into the poignant narratives that shape the story's impact on readers.