Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Schiendick really mean when he says, 'It's time you had your head shaved again...'?
What does Schiendick really mean when he says, 'It's time you had your head shaved again...'?
He despises Jewish people and implies it's time for you to go back to the concentration camp.
What conflict does Josef struggle with at the end of the chapter? Do you think Josef is at fault in any way? Why or why not?
What conflict does Josef struggle with at the end of the chapter? Do you think Josef is at fault in any way? Why or why not?
Josef struggles with lying to his dad to keep him safe, fearing that the truth would scare him. He is at fault for trying to protect his dad with a lie.
Analyze Isabel's flashback. How is it effective in the story? What does it reveal?
Analyze Isabel's flashback. How is it effective in the story? What does it reveal?
Isabel's flashback about her grandmother drowning reveals her fear of losing another loved one, as she almost lost Senor Castillo.
What figurative language does Isabel use to describe her life? How is this figurative language effective?
What figurative language does Isabel use to describe her life? How is this figurative language effective?
How are the three characters similar to each other?
How are the three characters similar to each other?
What is the main conflict in Josef's story? What type of conflict is this?
What is the main conflict in Josef's story? What type of conflict is this?
What is the main conflict in Isabel's story? What type of conflict is this?
What is the main conflict in Isabel's story? What type of conflict is this?
What is the main conflict in Mahmoud's story? What type of conflict is this?
What is the main conflict in Mahmoud's story? What type of conflict is this?
What are Ivan and his father building? What might this foreshadow?
What are Ivan and his father building? What might this foreshadow?
Why do people riot, like those in Havana? Do you agree with the rioters?
Why do people riot, like those in Havana? Do you agree with the rioters?
How do Mahmoud and his family cope with the violence and war around them?
How do Mahmoud and his family cope with the violence and war around them?
What did the Hitler Youth do with Josef? What might have motivated them?
What did the Hitler Youth do with Josef? What might have motivated them?
What do you think happened to Josef's father to make him behave the way he did?
What do you think happened to Josef's father to make him behave the way he did?
What are the pros and cons of staying in Cuba vs. leaving for Florida?
What are the pros and cons of staying in Cuba vs. leaving for Florida?
What feelings does the text convey when no help arrives after violence?
What feelings does the text convey when no help arrives after violence?
What part of the plot have we reached in each storyline of the novel?
What part of the plot have we reached in each storyline of the novel?
What is the overall mood of Josef's new setting?
What is the overall mood of Josef's new setting?
Why do you think the mother of the two girls Josef and Ruthie met stayed behind?
Why do you think the mother of the two girls Josef and Ruthie met stayed behind?
Why do the sailors treat Josef with respect?
Why do the sailors treat Josef with respect?
How do Isabel and Ivan's family feel when bringing their boat to the beach?
How do Isabel and Ivan's family feel when bringing their boat to the beach?
What conflicts do Isabel and the crew face now that they are on the water?
What conflicts do Isabel and the crew face now that they are on the water?
Why did Mahmoud's family take directions from soldiers?
Why did Mahmoud's family take directions from soldiers?
Why do people fight?
Why do people fight?
What is one item that Mahmoud's family will not be able to travel without? Why?
What is one item that Mahmoud's family will not be able to travel without? Why?
What possible theme emerges in Josef's story during chapter 13?
What possible theme emerges in Josef's story during chapter 13?
What reaction does a crew member have when Hitler's image is removed?
What reaction does a crew member have when Hitler's image is removed?
What does Josef overhear at the end of chapter 13?
What does Josef overhear at the end of chapter 13?
What do the people on Isabel's boat hope for upon reaching the U.S.?
What do the people on Isabel's boat hope for upon reaching the U.S.?
What is the mood on Isabel's boat in chapter 14?
What is the mood on Isabel's boat in chapter 14?
Why does Mahmoud like to be invisible?
Why does Mahmoud like to be invisible?
What might the Turkish guards think as they watch the Syrians enter their country?
What might the Turkish guards think as they watch the Syrians enter their country?
What conflict does Josef face when he goes below deck?
What conflict does Josef face when he goes below deck?
What does the song symbolize to the crew? What does it symbolize to Josef?
What does the song symbolize to the crew? What does it symbolize to Josef?
What has motivated Lito to stay in Cuba after many years?
What has motivated Lito to stay in Cuba after many years?
What is clave and why is it important to Isabel and Lito?
What is clave and why is it important to Isabel and Lito?
Summarize Mahmoud's flashback (p. 106).
Summarize Mahmoud's flashback (p. 106).
How are all three characters' conflicts similar?
How are all three characters' conflicts similar?
Why does Schiendick want the deceased body covered with the Nazi flag?
Why does Schiendick want the deceased body covered with the Nazi flag?
What does Aaron Landau's actions reveal about his experiences in Dachau?
What does Aaron Landau's actions reveal about his experiences in Dachau?
Do you sympathize more with Josef's father after this chapter?
Do you sympathize more with Josef's father after this chapter?
How does the author build suspense in Isabel's chapter?
How does the author build suspense in Isabel's chapter?
What motivates Isabel to jump into the ocean to save Senor Castillo?
What motivates Isabel to jump into the ocean to save Senor Castillo?
How do we see exploitation in Mahmoud's chapter?
How do we see exploitation in Mahmoud's chapter?
How does Mahmoud make himself 'visible'?
How does Mahmoud make himself 'visible'?
What is the next part of Mahmoud's family's journey?
What is the next part of Mahmoud's family's journey?
What is Aaron Landau's main conflict?
What is Aaron Landau's main conflict?
Do you believe Josef's actions towards his father are right or wrong?
Do you believe Josef's actions towards his father are right or wrong?
How is the setting in Isabel's story characterized?
How is the setting in Isabel's story characterized?
What new conflict is on the horizon for Isabel and the crew?
What new conflict is on the horizon for Isabel and the crew?
At this point, is the risk Isabel and others took worth it?
At this point, is the risk Isabel and others took worth it?
What new conflicts do Mahmoud and his family face?
What new conflicts do Mahmoud and his family face?
What happens with the other two ships that arrive in Cuba?
What happens with the other two ships that arrive in Cuba?
Flashcards
Josef's Setting
Josef's Setting
Nazi Germany, characterized by dictatorship and persecution of Jews.
Isabel's Setting
Isabel's Setting
Castro's Cuba, facing government oppression and food shortages.
Mahmoud's Setting
Mahmoud's Setting
War-torn Syria, affected by violence from factions.
Josef's Conflict
Josef's Conflict
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Isabel's Conflict
Isabel's Conflict
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Mahmoud's Conflict
Mahmoud's Conflict
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Boat Symbolism
Boat Symbolism
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Ship's Treatment of Josef
Ship's Treatment of Josef
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Mahmoud's Coping Strategy
Mahmoud's Coping Strategy
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Josef's Internal Conflicts
Josef's Internal Conflicts
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Lito's Decision
Lito's Decision
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Jose and Isabel's Relationship
Jose and Isabel's Relationship
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Resilience Theme
Resilience Theme
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Josef's Responsibility
Josef's Responsibility
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Isabel's Bravery
Isabel's Bravery
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Havana Rioting
Havana Rioting
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Social Exploitation
Social Exploitation
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Josef's Father's Change
Josef's Father's Change
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Refugee Journeys
Refugee Journeys
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Uncertain Fates
Uncertain Fates
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Isabel's Group Risks
Isabel's Group Risks
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Conflict with Soldiers
Conflict with Soldiers
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Study Notes
Characters and Settings
- Josef lives in Nazi Germany, a context marked by dictatorship and persecution against Jews.
- Isabel's story unfolds in Castro's Cuba, focusing on oppressive government and food shortages impacting her family.
- Mahmoud resides in war-torn Syria, facing violence from government and terrorist factions.
Main Conflicts
- Josef's conflict revolves around Man vs. Society, highlighting the struggle of Jews against Nazi oppression.
- Isabel struggles with the threat of her father’s arrest, another Man vs. Society conflict, as her family seeks to escape their dire circumstances.
- Mahmoud faces societal chaos amid war, also categorized as Man vs. Society.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing
- Building a boat symbolizes Ivan and his father's hope to escape from Cuba and seek freedom.
- The treatment of Josef and his family on the ship starkly contrasts how they were treated in Germany, revealing a sense of respect from the ship's crew.
Emotional and Psychological Responses
- Characters employ various coping strategies in response to trauma, such as Mahmoud opting for invisibility as a way to feel safer amidst chaos.
- Josef’s interaction with the Hitler Youth reflects internal conflicts about his identity and fear of persecution.
Family Dynamics and Relationships
- Lito remains in Cuba due to attachment to home and culture but joins the family later to avoid isolation.
- Jose and Isabel’s interactions evolve as they face danger, showcasing the bonds and fractures within family units against external threats.
Themes
- Resilience emerges as a key theme, marked by the characters' determination to find a better life despite formidable obstacles.
- Responsibility grows in Josef's character as he attempts to take care of his family, realizing he must step into a more mature role.
Conflicts and Tensions
- Isabel's group faces increasing risk as they navigate the sea, including potential threats from authorities and dangers of the ocean.
- Tensions rise when soldiers confront Mahmoud's family, underscoring the desperation and dangers faced by refugees.
Important Moments
- Josef’s father exhibits a significant change resulting from his experience in concentration camps, demonstrating the trauma of oppressive regimes.
- Isabel's moment of bravery while saving Senor Castillo signifies her growth and connects her past trauma with her present actions.
Societal Reflections
- Rioting in Havana highlights societal unrest, driven by desperation for change and freedom.
- Characters in the narrative experience exploitation, further illustrating the injustices within their societies, affecting their human dignity.
Conclusion and Outcome Expectations
- The journeys of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud intertwine as they each seek refuge from oppressive environments, confronting numerous challenges along the way.
- The fate of these characters remains uncertain, building suspense for the next chapters as they navigate danger and societal barriers to survival and freedom.
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Description
This study guide focuses on chapters 1-27 of the novel 'Refugee' by Alan Gratz. It explores the similarities between the three main characters, Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, each facing perilous situations under different dictators. Test your understanding of the characters’ conflicts and the overarching themes of the story.
