Summer of My German Soldier: Chapters 1-5 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

The main character and narrator of the story is ________.

Patty Bergen

This character is compared to hot chocolate.

Ruth

The novel takes place in _______________.

Jenkinsville, Arkansas

At the beginning of the novel, a crowd is waiting at the train station for ______________.

the POWs (prisoners of war) Signup and view all the answers

What did the people of Jenkinsville expect from the POWs?

The crowd expected the POWs to look scary, depressed, and be handcuffed like criminals. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the POWs entering Mr. Bergen's store to buy straw hats?

Patty's family is Jewish. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Patty say she feels at home?

In Memphis where her grandparents live Signup and view all the answers

What story does Patty tell Sharon in the car?

Cinderella Signup and view all the answers

How does Patty's mother react to Patty trying to kiss her?

She gets annoyed. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Patty wish she lived?

Wynne City Signup and view all the answers

Who is Patty forbidden to hang out with? Why?

Freddy Dowd, because he is poor Signup and view all the answers

What is unusual about Edna Louise's house?

It's the only two-story house in town. Signup and view all the answers

What did Anton study before he became a private in the German Army?

Medicine Signup and view all the answers

After Patty's first encounter with Anton at the store, who does she decide to talk to about it?

Sister Parker Signup and view all the answers

Who gives Patty money to pay for the broken car window?

Ruth Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Patty use to explain her determination to not allow her parent's unfair treatment to bring her down?

The river metaphor Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Bergen react to Patty breaking someone's car window?

He beats her. Signup and view all the answers

How does Patty describe the day she spent with her Grandma?

She says it was the best day of the summer. Signup and view all the answers

How does Patty know her Grandma views her as more of an adult than a child?

Grandma gives Patty wine at dinner. Signup and view all the answers

Patty is excited to talk to Anton when he comes to her father's store. What might this foreshadow?

Patty is going to fall in love with Anton. Signup and view all the answers

Are Patty and Sharon treated the same way by their parents?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why does Patty think Sharon is treated better? What does her mom say about the difference in treatment?

Patty says it's because Sharon is prettier, Mrs. Bergen says it's because Sharon is younger. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Bergen resent his father-in-law?

He didn't give Patty's father a job in the family business. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Patty struggle with liking Anton?

Anton is a German POW, while Patty is an American Jewish girl. Signup and view all the answers

How did Anton learn to speak English?

He was educated in England Signup and view all the answers

What is Edna Louise's reaction to Patty liking Anton?

Edna Louise tells Patty that's worse than liking a black person. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Characters and Setting

Patty Bergen is the protagonist and narrator of the story, providing insight into her perspective and experiences.
The events unfold in Jenkinsville, Arkansas, a small southern town during World War II.
Patty's family is Jewish, which adds a layer of irony to the presence of German POWs in the town and their interactions.

Relationships and Interactions

Ruth, a character in the story, is metaphorically compared to hot chocolate, suggesting warmth and comfort.
Patty wishes to live in Wynne City and often feels a sense of belonging at her grandparents' home in Memphis.
Patty's mother exhibits a strained relationship with her, shown by her annoyance when Patty tries to show affection.

Societal Expectations and Prejudices

The residents of Jenkinsville expect the POWs to be frightening and demoralized, leading to a contrast with the actual interactions.
There is a significant social divide depicted in Patty’s relationships, especially with Freddy Dowd, whom she is forbidden to associate with due to his poverty.
Edna Louise expresses her prejudice when discussing Patty's feelings for Anton, comparing it unfavorably to liking someone of a different race.

Key Events and Themes

The metaphor of the river illustrates Patty's determination to withstand her parents' unfair treatment and maintain her spirit.
Mr. Bergen's harsh reaction after Patty breaks a car window signifies the strict expectations and discipline in her family.
A significant day spent with Grandma emphasizes the generational divide in understanding and affection, as reflected in Grandma's behavior during dinner.

Cross-Cultural Connections

Anton, a German POW, displays a complex relationship with Patty as she navigates feelings of attraction despite societal tensions; he learns English while being educated in England.
Patty's internal conflict about liking Anton highlights themes of identity, nationality, and social acceptance amid wartime prejudices.

Family Dynamics

There is a noted difference in treatment between Patty and her sister Sharon; Patty believes it's due to Sharon's beauty, while Mrs. Bergen attributes it to youth.
Mr. Bergen holds resentment towards his father-in-law, reflecting tensions in family relations and expectations regarding the family business.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing

Patty's excitement to talk to Anton signifies the beginning of a budding relationship, potentially foreshadowing deeper emotional connections amidst cultural barriers.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the first five chapters of 'Summer of My German Soldier'. This quiz includes key characters, settings, and important themes introduced in the early part of the novel. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the story.