Questions and Answers
Where did Ada and Jamie live?
In a flat, near the docks in London.
What derogatory name does Ada's mom call her?
Cripple.
Where did Ada's mom work?
A pub.
What did Ada once do to stop her brother from leaving their apartment?
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What made Ada different from other children?
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Why did Ada's mother force her to get in the cabinet?
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Who is Jamie's best friend?
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What does the shop owner call Jamie when he is caught stealing?
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Why are the children sent away to the country?
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Who teaches Ada to walk?
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Who helped Ada to the train station in London?
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Where is Ada and Jamie's father?
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What does the doctor give Ada to help her walk?
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Who wrote 'The War that Saved My Life'?
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What was a typical meal at Ada and Jamie's London flat?
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In Chapter 1, what does Ada's Mum threaten to do if Ada goes outside again?
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In Chapter 1 after Ada had been cruel to Jamie, why was Ada upset?
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Why did Mam favour Jamie so much?
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Why didn't Mam want Ada to ever go outside?
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Why did Ada keep her walking practice a secret?
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In Chapter 2, what does Jamie successfully steal, without being caught?
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What did the butcher do to Jamie?
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What did Ada hate the most when she was locked in the cabinet?
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What did Ada steal before leaving the flat?
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What did Ada and Jamie eat when they arrived at the schoolground in London?
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How did Stephen White help Ada?
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Who asks Ada, 'How come she keeps you locked up, if you're not simple?' at the end of Chapter 3?
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What did Ada tell the teacher about how they'd arrived at the school?
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What had Billy White's Mum been shopping for in Chapter 3?
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In Chapter 2, what was Ada determined to learn?
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Who called Ada, 'A monster, with that ugly foot?'
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Who told Ada what the outside world was like?
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Why was Ada dreading Jamie starting school?
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What did Ada dream of her mother saying to people about her?
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How many siblings are in between Stephen and Billy?
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Who made the children sing, 'There'll Always Be an England?'
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Study Notes
Setting and Characters
- Ada and Jamie live in a flat near the docks in London, reflecting a working-class background.
- Ada's mother derogatorily refers to her as a "cripple," highlighting the mother's cruelty and Ada's physical limitations.
- Their mother works at a pub, indicating the family's struggle for financial stability.
- Jamie, Ada's brother, is protective but struggles with theft due to hunger, showcasing a difficult upbringing.
Ada's Challenges and Growth
- Ada's deformed foot sets her apart from other children, contributing to her mother's shame and neglect.
- In a moment of desperation, Ada ties Jamie's hands and feet to prevent him from leaving, illustrating the toxic family dynamics.
- Ada keeps her attempts to walk a secret from her mother, motivated by a desire for approval and love.
Major Events
- The children are sent to the country to escape potential bombings in London due to the war, a common practice during World War II.
- Ada steals her mother's shoes before leaving, demonstrating her resourcefulness and desire for independence.
- A key moment occurs when Stephen White helps Ada reach the train station, providing a glimpse of kindness and support.
Relationships and Development
- Jamie's close friendship with Billy White contrasts with the neglect from their mother and highlights the importance of companionship.
- During a pivotal scene, Jamie steals food without getting caught, highlighting the desperation of their situation yet also his cunning.
Schooling and Challenges
- Ada experiences anxiety about her mother locking her up, equated with the shame she feels about her foot, which hinders her social development.
- At school, Ada tells her teacher that their father dropped them off, signifying her attempt to create a more normal narrative about her life.
Themes of Neglect and Aspiration
- Ada dreams of her mother defending her to others, revealing her longing for acceptance and normalcy.
- The children's grim upbringing is showcased through their sparse meals, such as bread with dripping and sugar-dipped bread at the schoolground.
- The physical and emotional toll of their environment leads to Ada's determination to learn how to walk, representing her fight for independence and self-worth.
Community and Support
- Stephen White shows genuine concern for Ada as he questions her treatment, offering insight into a potential shift in her life.
- The teachers' activities, like singing "There'll Always Be an England," provide a sense of normalcy amid chaos, reflecting themes of national identity during wartime.
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Description
Test your understanding of the first three chapters of 'The War that Saved my Life'. This quiz covers key details about the characters and their living situation, providing insights into Ada and Jamie's lives in London. Perfect for reinforcing your memory or studying before a discussion!
