5 Questions
Why does the Nazi officer want to open the casket?
The Nazi officer wants to open the casket because he believes that there may still be germs present that could be dangerous.
What does Mama do when the Nazi officer refuses to let the ceremony take place?
Mama tells the officer that she will open the coffin herself, despite his protests.
What is the response from the Nazi officer when Mama tells him she will open the casket?
The Nazi officer is not happy with this and he starts to get angry again. He tells Mama that she will not be able to open the coffin without a key.
How does Mama feel when the Nazi officer slaps her?
Mama is angry and hurt and she walks away from the casket.
What eventually changes Mama's mind and causes her to open the casket?
Mama eventually decides to open the casket in order to pay respects to her Aunt Birte.
Study Notes
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Uncle Henrik is leaving for a while and he wants everyone to come to the living room so he can say good-bye.
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Annemarie is tired so she goes to bed, but Ellen is still there.
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The old man's head is still bowed and Peter is sitting alone, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
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The officer demands to open the casket and everyone is silent. Annemarie knows that he is asking her.
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She tells the officer that her Great-aunt Birte died and he is surprised.
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He asks why the coffin is not open and Mama tells him it is the custom to pay respects by looking at the deceased in the face.
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The officer is not happy with this answer and he starts to get angry. He tells Mama that he will not allow the ceremony to take place until the coffin is open.
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Everyone gets angry and they start to argue. Finally, Mama tells the officer that she will open the coffin herself.
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The officer is not happy with this and he starts to get angry again. He tells Mama that she will not be able to open the coffin without a key.
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Mama tells him that she will find a key and she leaves the room.
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The officer starts to get angry again and he tells everyone to leave. Annemarie is the last to leave and she is sad.
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Mama is angry with the Nazi officer because he wants to close Aunt Birte's casket because there is a chance the germs will still be there.
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Mama argues with the officer and eventually he slaps her.
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Mama is angry and hurt and she walks away from the casket.
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Later, Mama decides to open the casket.
Test your knowledge of the events in Lois Lowry's 'Number the Stars' with this quiz. See if you can remember the sequence of key plot points and character actions.
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