Refugee Chapters 1-27 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

How does the setting in Isabel's story interact with the characters?

The setting interacts with the characters through elements like the weather, sunset, and the water they are sailing in, which can affect their journey.

What new conflict is on the horizon for Isabel and the crew?

A storm is coming as indicated by the red horizon, prompting them to take warning and cover.

Is the risk that Isabel and the others took worth it?

Yes, because they would have faced greater dangers if they hadn’t acted to help Isabel's father.

What conflicts do Mahmoud and his family face in his chapter?

They face character vs. society conflict as people are falling out of their raft while trying to escape. Signup and view all the answers

What happens with the other two ships that arrive in Cuba?

They are allowed to dock and let their passengers into Cuba, while Josef's ship is not. Signup and view all the answers

What does Schiendick imply when he says, 'It's time you had your head shaved again'?

He implies a hatred for Jewish people and suggests Josef's return to a concentration camp. Signup and view all the answers

What conflict does Josef struggle with at the end of the chapter?

Josef struggles with lying to protect his father, which may have worsened his father's fear. Signup and view all the answers

How is Isabel's flashback effective in the story?

It reveals her fear of losing loved ones and the traumatic memory of her grandmother drowning. Signup and view all the answers

What figurative language does Isabel use to describe her life?

She uses a symphony to symbolize her life, with different events representing different notes. Signup and view all the answers

How are the three settings similar to each other?

All of the kids are living in really hard times and conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conflict in Josef's story?

Nazis break into Josef's home in the middle of the night and take his dad. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conflict in Isabel's story?

Isabel doesn't have a really bad threat like Josef, but they have a problem with hunger and killing animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conflict in Mahmoud's story?

He has to protect himself from being hit by a missile or an airstrike. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main ideas of the first three chapters?

Every kid is in some trouble, but they all are victims in their stories. Signup and view all the answers

What are Ivan and his father building?

They are building a boat. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mahmoud's flashback reveal?

His flashback reveals Khalid getting beat up. Signup and view all the answers

What is one prediction you have about any of the storylines?

I think that Josef and his family will have a hard time without his father. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think human beings join groups like the Hitler Youth?

They want a job and a sense of protection. Signup and view all the answers

Why do people riot, like the people in Havana did?

They seek freedom and want to express their frustrations. Signup and view all the answers

According to the book, how does Mahmoud deal with the violence around him?

He becomes invisible around other people. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Hitler Youth do with Josef?

They told Josef not to take his armband off again. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think happened to Josef's father?

I think the Nazis worked Aaron too hard. Signup and view all the answers

What are the pros and cons of staying vs. leaving for Isabel's family?

If they leave, they could have a better life, but if they stay, they will live miserably. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author include the line about no sirens or ambulances?

It conveys feelings of hopelessness and neglect. Signup and view all the answers

How do the characters' plot points intersect?

They are all escaping the places they grew up in. Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall mood of Josef's new setting?

Cheerful and suspicious. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the mother of the two girls stayed behind?

She might have been trying to protect them. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the sailors treat Josef and the passengers with respect?

There are no Nazis on the ship, and everyone on board is Jewish. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the scene as Isabel's family brought their 'boat' to the beach.

The scene was happy but worried that someone would catch them. Signup and view all the answers

What conflicts may Isabel and her crew face now that they are on the water?

They may get caught by police or face a shark attack. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mahmoud's family take directions from the soldiers?

They were afraid the soldiers would kill them if they didn't. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think people fight?

To get what they want or to avenge others. Signup and view all the answers

What is one item Mahmoud's family will not be able to travel without?

Unspecified in the original text. Signup and view all the answers

What possible theme emerges in Josef's story during chapter 13?

Responsibility and being a man are important. Signup and view all the answers

What reaction does a crew member have when Hitler's image is removed?

The reaction was bad because he respects Hitler. Signup and view all the answers

What does Josef overhear at the end of chapter 13?

He overhears that maybe all the passengers can't get to Cuba. Signup and view all the answers

What do the people on Isabel's boat hope for when they get to the U.S.?

They hope for freedom and a better life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mood on Isabel's boat in chapter 14?

The mood is happy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mahmoud like to be invisible?

He feels safer when he is invisible. Signup and view all the answers

What might the Turkish guards think as they watch the Syrians enter their country?

They might feel uncertain about the expectations of refugees. Signup and view all the answers

What conflict does Josef face when he goes below deck?

He sees workers singing Nazi songs and they call them Jewish rats. Signup and view all the answers

What does the song symbolize to the crew?

The song symbolizes German unity. Signup and view all the answers

What has motivated Lito to stay in Cuba?

Lito wanted to stay because Cuba was his home. Signup and view all the answers

What is clave and why is it important to Isabel?

Clave is the hidden heartbeat of Cuban music. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Mahmoud's flashback. How is it effective?

It reveals how Mahmoud's brother has been affected by their experiences. Signup and view all the answers

How are all three characters' conflicts similar at this point in the story?

All three characters are leaving their homes for better places to live. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Schiendick want the deceased body covered with the Nazi flag?

He believes it's German law. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aaron Landau's actions in this chapter reveal about his experiences?

His actions reveal he was mistreated in Dachau. Signup and view all the answers

Do you sympathize more with Josef's father after this chapter?

I do not sympathize with his father. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author build suspense in Isabel's chapter?

By depicting the death of her grandmother and a jump into the water. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Isabel to jump into the ocean to save Senor Castillo?

The flashback of her grandmother drowning. Signup and view all the answers

How do we see exploitation in Mahmoud's chapter?

Unspecified in the original text. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mahmoud make himself 'visible' in this chapter?

Unspecified in the original text. Signup and view all the answers

What is the next part of Mahmoud's family's journey?

Unspecified in the original text. Signup and view all the answers

What is Aaron Landau's main conflict?

His main conflict is character vs. self due to mistreatment by the Nazis. Signup and view all the answers

Do you believe what Josef did to his father is right or wrong?

Unspecified in the original text. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting Similarities

All three settings reflect difficult and oppressive living conditions for children.
Each child faces a looming threat to themselves and their families.

Josef's Conflict

Main conflict arises when Nazis raid Josef's home and arrest his father.
This represents a character vs. society conflict stemming from the actions of the Nazi regime.

Isabel's Conflict

Isabel faces hunger and societal collapse, illustrated by people resorting to eating zoo animals.
Her kindness is shown through sharing food, highlighting her empathy despite dire circumstances.

Mahmoud's Conflict

Mahmoud struggles with the dangers of war, including missile strikes and the need for invisibility to avoid violence.
His attempts to protect friends reveal the deep fear and trauma of living in a war zone.

Main Ideas of Initial Chapters

Each child's story presents them as vulnerable victims facing significant fears about their families' safety.

Ivan and Father's Boat

Building a boat under the guise of a dog house foreshadows their plan to escape.

Mahmoud's Flashback

Reveals his friend Khalid's bullying, emphasizing Mahmoud's fear of violence and his desire to remain hidden.

Predictions

Josef's family may struggle significantly without their father, highlighting the difficulties of single-parent care under oppressive regimes.

Human Behavior in Groups

People join groups like the Hitler Youth for security, despite disagreement, often due to fear of persecution.
Historical analogs include law enforcement actions against protestors.

Rioting in Havana

The motivations for rioting include a quest for freedom and addressing grievances against authority.
Opinions vary on the morality of riots based on context—support for food shortages is more justifiable.

Coping with Violence

Mahmoud copes by avoiding interactions and adopting a survival mindset.
His family members exhibit varied coping mechanisms, from avoidance to caregiving.

Interaction with Hitler Youth

Josef experiences reprimand from Hitler Youth, illustrating the pressures of conformity and fear within oppressive societies.

Josef's Father's Behavior

Aaron Landau's deterioration may stem from daily fears and trauma experienced in concentration camps.

Decision to Leave Cuba

Pros of leaving include better living conditions, while cons involve potential risks and dangers of the journey.

Implications of Emergency Situations

The absence of emergency services in Mahmoud's story underscores a sense of hopelessness and neglect by authorities.

Current Plot State

All children are embarking on journeys to escape their troubling environments.

Mood of Josef's New Setting

The cheerful and carefree atmosphere contrasts with the earlier oppressive settings they escaped.

Parental Sacrifice

The mother of the two girls letting them go hints at desperate protective instincts or unspoken tragedies.

Treatment by Sailors

Sailors treat Josef's family with respect, contrasting Nazi attitudes due to shared humanity aboard a vessel without Nazi enforcement.

Isabel and Ivan's Departure

The scene is a mix of excitement and apprehension, highlighting the dramatic stakes of their escape.

Conflicts at Sea

Isabel's group faces dangers such as detection by authorities and natural threats, highlighting the uncertainty of their journey.

Escape from Soldiers

Mahmoud's family complies with soldiers out of fear of violence, revealing the harsh realities migrants face in conflict zones.

Motivations for Fighting

Motivations for conflict include personal grievances, societal injustice, and the desire for revenge, reflecting complex human emotions.

Important Belongings

Mahmoud's family likely relies on significant items for emotional and practical support during their perilous journey.

Emerging Themes in Josef's Story

Themes of responsibility and maturity resonate as Josef transitions towards independence away from his father's shadow.

Reactions to Nazi Symbolism

Reactions to the removal of Nazi imagery foreshadow potential discord aboard the ship.

Overhearing Tensions

Josef's overheard conversation suggests uncertainty about their journey, foreshadowing potential distress.

Hopes for a New Life

Aspirations for freedom and improved living conditions reflect the struggles faced by Cuban families and their desires for a better future.

Mood on Isabel's Boat

Lighthearted moments amid hardship showcase resilience and character relationships on their journey.

Invisibility as Safety

Mahmoud prefers invisibility as a protective mechanism against danger, illustrating trauma's effects on personal security.

Observations of Turkish Guards

Turkish guards may feel apprehensive and judgmental towards incoming migrants, indicative of broader societal tensions.

Josef's Below Deck Experience

Encountering supporters of Nazi ideologies reinforces his feelings of vulnerability and hatred towards oppression.

Symbolism of Song

Songs evoke national unity for the crew but heighten feelings of anger and helplessness for Josef, reflecting diverging perspectives.

Lito's Journey Decision

Lito's departure is motivated by familial bonds and fear of isolation, reflecting his conflicting feelings about leaving home.

Importance of Clave

Clave represents cultural identity and continuity for Isabel and Lito, symbolizing their connection to Cuban heritage.

Mahmoud's Flashback Significance

Flashbacks showcase the contrast between Waleed's former joy and his current despondency, highlighting trauma's deep impact.

Character Conflicts

All three protagonists face departures from their homelands and the barriers tied to seeking a brighter future.

Shroud of Nazi Flag

Shroud practices symbolize adherence to German law and possibly circulate propaganda about loyalty to the regime.

Aaron Landau's Transformation

Experiences in Dachau deeply affect Aaron, motivating him to support the living while reflecting on mortality.

Perceptions of Josef's Father

Josef's feelings towards his father are complex; disappointment coexists with understanding the fear that drives parental behavior.

Suspense Building Techniques

The author employs dramatic incidents, like loss and immediate danger, to heighten the stakes in Isabel's narrative.

Isabel's River Heroism

Isabel's motivations for bravery stem from personal history, underscoring the weight of memory in her heroic actions.

Exploitation in Mahmoud's Narrative

The chapter addresses exploitation through systemic violence against refugees, showcasing moral wrongs associated with such practices.

Mahmoud's Visibility

Mahmoud's actions towards visibility and the resulting consequences reflect his need for connection and safety amidst turmoil.

Predicting Future Conflicts

Ongoing journeys lead to unpredictable trials, heightening tensions and fears among Mahmoud's group.

Cuban Ship Experiences

Disparities in treatment between ships in Cuba hint at bureaucratic whims and underlying biases in immigration practices.### Schiendick's Implications
Schiendick's statement about shaving one's head is a derogatory reference to the dehumanization of Jewish people during the Holocaust.
The phrase conveys his hatred towards Jews, suggesting a desire to send them to concentration camps.
Schiendick expresses animosity towards Josef's family due to his father's non-compliance with German laws.

Josef's Inner Conflict

At the chapter's conclusion, Josef feels guilt and responsibility for his father's fate after providing false reassurance.
He struggles with the moral dilemma of lying to his father to alleviate fear versus revealing the harsh truth.
Josef's decision to protect his father with a lie exacerbated his father's fear instead of providing genuine comfort.

Isabel's Flashback

Isabel recalls her grandmother drowning, which emotionally parallels her current experience with Senor Castillo’s perilous situation.
This flashback emphasizes the trauma Isabel experienced and her deep-seated fears regarding loss and helplessness.
Isabel's motivation to save Senor Castillo stems from a desire to prevent another personal tragedy reminiscent of her grandmother's death.

Isabel's Figurative Language

Isabel likens her life to a symphony, reflecting the complex and varied nature of her experiences.
This metaphor highlights the uniqueness of each event in her life, indicating a mixture of emotions and challenges.
The use of figurative language effectively portrays her journey as a blend of chaotic elements that create a cohesive story.

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Description

This study guide covers key themes, conflicts, and settings in chapters 1-27 of the book 'Refugee.' It provides thought-provoking questions that support critical analysis of the characters' experiences during challenging times. Use this guide to explore the interconnected stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud.